LETTER: P.E.I. government is humiliating seniors

Having utilized for and obtained my Seniors Food Support “gift card”, I’m writing to publicly specific my disbelief on the method the King authorities has delivered this. I used to be despatched a letter from the Division. of Social Growth and Housing with my “card” quantity and a pin quantity. The directions have been to current this letter plus one piece of picture ID to the cashier at Sobeys once I was testing my groceries. That is offensive and it’s a demeaning technique to deal with seniors.

Whereas I’m appreciative of the cash, I don’t need to inform everybody within the grocery lineup and the cashier that I’m low revenue. This may even maintain up the grocery line. Shops are very busy nowadays and nobody desires a slower line. What in regards to the senior who’s unable to purchase their very own groceries and will get a buddy or member of the family to do it? How do they clarify why the picture ID shouldn’t be their ID?

Because the King authorities appears so intent on humiliating seniors, I additionally surprise in regards to the standards for acquiring this “card”. In response to the federal government webpage, “This program is open to full-time Island residents aged 65 and over who pay for their very own groceries and who self-identify as residing in low revenue. Island seniors who meet these standards are eligible for a one-time $100 grocery card for Sobeys affiliated places on Prince Edward Island … (restrict one per family)”. What’s to cease somebody who makes a better revenue from getting one in every of these … or maybe that’s the plan all alongside. Whether it is embarrassing sufficient then solely those that actually need it can apply.

Serving to seniors with grocery prices is an effective factor. Making us really feel ashamed for needing this assist shouldn’t be. A correct present card can be the suitable technique to go.

Katie McInnis,

Charlottetown, P.E.I.

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