The province says more money to help low-income families prepare their kids for the coming school year should now be in the hands of those who qualify.
The new Back-to-School Benefit provides $100 for every school-aged child in a family that’s receiving income support.
That amounts to about 5,300 kids in roughly 3,250 households across the province at a cost of just over $500,000.
Minister Bernard Davis and Danielle Seward, the Executive Director of the Single Parent Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (VOCM News)
The money is geared toward essentials such as footwear, backpacks and school supplies, and is part of the province’s overall poverty reduction plan, which saw increases in monthly payments, housing support and vision care back in June.
Education Minister Bernie Davis made today’s announcement at the Single Parent Association offices in St. John’s.
“This new benefit is just one way we’re working to support children in families with low incomes,” he said. “Every child in every family deserves to start the school year off on the right foot, and that’s what this benefit is all about.”
