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Last Updated: Dec 29, 2011 - 2:18:31 AM |
 Nassau, Bahamas - Since the beginning of the economic downturn there has been a steady rise in requests for all types of social assistance primarily in New Providence and Grand Bahama, Minister of Labour and Social Development Senator the Hon Dion Foulkes said during his contribution to the 2009/2010 Mid-Year Budget in the Senate on Monday.
In 2008, the Government introduced new levels of assistance in response to the economic downturn, he said.
“Food, as we know, is a basic human need and while persons facing economic hardship are forced to give up non-essential goods and services, the need for food is one of the most basic,” Mr Foulkes said.
“Consequently, the Food Assistance Program operated by the Department continues to be in great demand.”
In New Providence between July and December 2009, some 3,754 persons were receiving food assistance. There were also 2,722 persons on temporary food assistance and over 1,000 on permanent food assistance, Mr Foulkes said.
“The food coupon is issued to the head of a household,” he said. “But as we know, most households consist of more than one person. Based on this, we should note that many more people are being served than coupons issued.”
The Department of Social Services has expended in excess of $200,000 per month in food assistance between July and December of 2009 in Grand Bahama, which has been exceptionally hit hard by the economic downturn, Mr Foulkes explained.
To ensure the basic need for food is met among children, the National Lunch Program continues to provide lunch each day to hundreds of children throughout The Bahamas, he said.
In 2009, the Centre for the Deaf was added which brought the number of schools in New Providence into the program to 44.
Mr Foulkes commended the Salvation Army which ensures that needy children at the School for the Blind are provided with lunch, and the Lyford Cay Foundation for facilitating the program at the Adelaide Primary School. In Grand Bahama the program is operational in 21 locations.
In addition, 465 persons received assistance for electricity, which cost the Government $209,648 the Senator said. This is less than half of what the Government spent for the same period in 2008.
In Grand Bahama, $449,651 was expended on rental assistance and $97,673 were expended on electricity payments.
“Behind all of these numbers and every dollar spent are individuals and families with real needs and concerns,” Mr Foulkes said.
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