Have you done the math?

A provincial campaign called Put Food in the Budget is challenging individuals through a survey tool - Do the Math - to count the cost of typical daily living and weigh it against standard amounts that people may receive through government social assistance.  The survey challenges people to imagine themselves in the position of needing to make ends meet on a social assistance budget.  In many cases, that may involve difficult decisions such as whether or not to move or to skimp on the dinner table, or maybe to disconnect the phone or internet (socially isolating and inhibits job hunting).

A key message of the campaign is that after paying for big ticket essentials like rent, many individuals often cannot afford to eat at all, let alone eat healthy.  The big question is what would it do to have an extra $100 per month to put towards food?  Aside from the direct benefits of having affordable access to fresh, non-canned food, how would a food supplement affect the dignity of an individual to be able to make their own choices about where to buy food, what to put on the menu, and to be free to follow a cultural or medical diet?

Take the challenge: Do the Math.

To stay informed and get involved locally, join the York Region Do the Math Facebook Group.