Nearly 134,000 residents in Windsor-Essex will be eligible for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit when the credits arrive this summer.
The benefit builds upon the former GST credit for low income families. It will increase by 25 per cent for five years, and provide an additional $402 for a single person or $805 for a couple with two children.
Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu visited the UHC Hub of Opportunities in Windsor Wednesday to highlight the government's efforts to improve food security.
"It's intended to really take the sting out of inflation," said Hajdu. "It's obviously not going to replace a person's grocery bill but it is going tot help with the inflationary pressures that we're seeing."
She indicated the government is committed to developing a national food security strategy that will include community partners and domestic producers to improve access to affordable and nutritious food.
"I think ultimately what we want is to be able to support our producers, our growers and food hubs with the kinds of equipment and kinds of strategies that they need to better enhance their ability to glean that food and retain that food in the system," said Hajdu.
June Muir, CEO of the UHC Hub of Opportunities, applauded the government's efforts to provide more stability to the vulnerable in the community.
"I'm giving them credit for taking that action and welcoming this benefit. I know our families are very happy to have the benefit," said Muir.
