The cost of disability when it comes to Food Dignity

The impact of disability on Food Dignity is affected by:  Special diet restrictions, transportation, access to credit cards to have the groceries delivered (Covid Safety), location, ability to store/purchase in bulk, independence, the ability to access sales before the AISH cheque is deposited, etc….

This documentary produced by Self Advocacy Federation with the support of John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights aims to show people how AISH recipients must manage external influences such as inflation, the supply chain, COVID, and barriers such as transportation and proximity to grocery stores impact the ability of people to get food that meets their dietary needs.

The Alberta Living Wage network https://livingwagealberta.ca/  states that the living wage for a single Edmonton resident is $21.46/hr. A living wage is one that meets a person’s basic needs and some wants. Please see their budget for a Single adult and their expenses: 

Typical Budget of someone on AISH on YEG

 Rent: $930 (based on YEG statistics, average cost of a one bedroom apartment).

Power: $100

Heat/Water:  Typically included in rent

Bus pass: $35

Cable/internet: $80 (Internet for good plus basic cable)

Phone: $35 (low-income plans GOC)

Laundry: $50

Tenant’s insurance: $30

Toiletries/clothing/OTC Medication and supplies: $100

Total = $1365

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$315 remaining for Food/incidentals/emergencies and everything else

Members from SAF agreed that $200 would be a typical food budget for someone on AISH which would leave $115 left over for living. It should be noted that the LWN report suggests that a single person living in Edmonton should spend $358/ month on food.

Our question is, are people on AISH able to afford a dignified living?

Food Dignity is a guaranteed right under the UNCRPD. The members of the Self Advocacy Federation are proud to present their work regarding how people living with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by inflation and what they are experiencing in trying to meet their basic needs.