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TDRC Media Releases |
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MEDIA ADVISORY Why is there an information blackout about the fact that many people on low incomes are facing hunger since the electricity blackout? (Toronto) The Toronto Disaster Relief Committee (TDRC) has learned that there is a crisis around food and money issues for people on assistance following the electricity blackout. In response to the crisis Ontario Works in Toronto is providing some emergency compensation to tide people over until their next cheque. City officials, however, have not alerted the public in need of this necessary aid and as a result many people may not even know that much needed relief is available if they phone their Ontario Works office. The TDRC and others have been speaking to people about the fact that many people across Ontario have lost the perishables in their fridges. For people on low income that means less or no food until the end of the month. The media has covered the fact the fact that food bank stocks are low but to put the problem into context, people on low income who had filled their fridges for the month will need cash or food vouchers in order to not go hungry. Today, the TDRC has learned that decisions about giving relief through the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is at least being held over until Monday. And what is the situation of other people on fixed income - old age pensioners, people on EI, Workers Compensation, the working poor? They couldn’t replace their lost food and conceivable are in dire straights. According to nurse Cathy Crowe “Everyone who lost food and who lives on low income will be unable to rely on the food banks. Goodness, we just learned about the terrible plight of seniors in France. What about our seniors’ food problems during the next week? What about the children who are affected and will be preparing to go to school in September? This blackout wasn’t their fault! “ A simple start would be to widely publicize the relief that is available through Ontario Works and perhaps to explain why others aren’t getting much needed help. For more information, contact TDRC at tdrc@tdrc.net -30- |