The Single Parent Association welcomes news that the new $100 back-to-school benefit has been sent to eligible families.
But they say the increasing demand for all of its programs will require longer-term solutions.
The back-to-school benefit was first announced in June, along with other poverty reduction measures.
It provides $100 for every school-aged child in a family that’s receiving income support.
Minister Bernard Davis and Danielle Seward, the Executive Director of the Single Parent Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (VOCM News)
The province chose the Single Parent Association to announce yesterday that the payments had been distributed.
Executive Director Danielle Seward says for some it would be a luxury to only worry about school supplies.
“We see so many moms coming in and they’re saying they either have to heat the house or put food on the table, so going back to school is not even on their radar for affordability,” she said. “No parent, no family should have to choose that for their kids. Every kid should have the right to go to school with the tools they need and the confidence to be successful.”
About 5,300 kids in 3,250 households are eligible for the back-to-school benefit.
