As the summer kicks into gear, many Canadians lower-income Canadians are benefiting from the grocery rebate cheques announced last spring in the federal budget. At C3FC, we know food inflation has been tough on many and so we are very supportive of anything that better helps families make ends meet. To recap the benefit, see immediately below
If you are single:
- $234 (no children)
- $387 (with 1 child)
- $467 (with 2 children)
- $548 (with 3 children)
- $628 (with 4 children)
If you are married or have a common-law partner:
- $306 (no children)
- $387 (with 1 child)
- $467 (with 2 children)
- $548 (with 3 children)
- $628 (with 4 children)
In my household, grocery shopping has become a family affair as my 4-year-old loves to grab the things she wants from the store shelves and fridges and put them in the cart. Current favourites are cheese strings (marble), strawberry yogurt, any kind of chips and last but certainly not least – ice cream. In fact, even the local store close to our family cottage is now known as the “ice cream shop” and every time we go there’s an expectation that ice cream will obviously be bought!
For our family, grocery shopping has become a fun way to involve our kids in buying food, cooking meals and learning the importance of healthy eating. Even as a kid I remember my parents taking me grocery shopping and sitting in the seat at the front of the cart where my daughter now sits when she’s not demanding to be let out so she can grab things to put in the cart.
But man, costs are up for sure. The lunch meat that used to cost $5 is now $7.50, the bread that was $2.50 is now twice the price. And buying basics like ground beef and other meat is now a sure-fire way to ensure the final bill is way higher than it’s ever been before. For our family of 4, it is not uncommon for groceries to now exceed $200 every time we shop. It’s a lot of money but as my mom used to say when she’d load up my fridge as a university student “ya gotta eat right?!”
That is indeed right. Groceries are a necessary expense, and we literally have no choice. Yes, there are ways to cut costs and we’re all doing that. But as inflation remains stubbornly high, food is the one area where we’re all feeling the pinch.
Cynics and critics will say that the maximum amount ($628) isn’t enough and will cover less than a month’s worth of food for a family of 4. But in a world where we all are going the extra mile to save a buck, the old saying “every little bit helps” has never been truer.
So, let’s acknowledge that doing something is better than nothing and encourage every single eligible Canadian to apply for this grocery rebate.
Canadians should reach out to CRA if they have applied for but not yet received their payment.
From all of us at C3FC, we know these remain tough times. Our mission to bring people the facts they deserve about the food they buy and eat is important to us and that is why we support this grocery rebate. Every little bit helps!