GROUP HOME FOOD ALLOWANCE BOOSTED BY $1.7 MILLION ANNUALLY

People living in group homes across the province will enjoy better quality, more nutritious meals, following the announcement today of an increase of more than 85 per cent, $1.7 million annually, to the daily food allowance.

In group homes for people with intellectual disabilities, funded through Social Services, the standard rate for the daily food allowance will increase from $4.85 per person per day to $9.00. In group homes for at-risk children, the rate will increase from an average of $5.00 per child per day to $9.00.

"This funding increase nearly doubles the food allowance provided to group homes that serve people with intellectual disabilities and at-risk children," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "This initiative demonstrates, once again, our government's resolve to support Community-Based Organizations in all of the important work that they do for Saskatchewan people."

The daily food allowance was identified as a pressing issue at last fall's Community-Based Organization (CBO) summits, which were attended by more than 800 CBO and government delegates.

"This significant boost to the food allowance for group homes is greatly appreciated, as part of the series of recent funding increases provided to CBOs by the provincial government," Chip & Dale Housing Executive Director Lucy Mazden said. "This additional food allowance is a clear statement that the provincial government values the most vulnerable members of our community by supporting their quality of life."

Over the past 16 months, general funding increases to CBOs have totalled a combined 12.3 per cent - representing a $27.2 million investment by the provincial government in the CBO sector during that period.

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For more information, contact:

Brian Miller
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: brian.miller3@gov.sk.ca