PM: Food support for most vulnerable

THE PRIME MINISTER said people who are capable of working and more fortunate should let their conscience guide them and allow those who are actually in need access food items from government food drives.

"If you know you have food support, whether it's a food card, a fresh food box, a hamper from the government, or MP, or from anybody, live and let live," the PM said at a media conference at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's.

"Let it not be the most bold-face and unconscionable [grab for] food, knowing that there are others, who have not yet got their's first.

He said he had received complaints about people trying to get more than their fair share.

"That is not who we are," Rowley said.

The government has issued social assistance guidelines, specifically for relief to people economically impacted by covid19, to aid in income support, food support and rental fee support.

In March, the Ministry of Social Development announced that households with up to three people, which are currently on the Food Card programme, will receive $150 more, while households with up to four to five people will receive $300 more. Households with up to six or more people will receive $450, additionally.

In addition, those on disability grants and public assistance will also receive a "top-up" starting from $150 for one person, $300 for two people, $450 for three persons, and $500 for four or more people.

Rowley said, while the assistance remains available, "[We need to] wean people off the food support system and back to the workforce," warning that doing so without caution would be "flirting with the risk of reinfections."

With food vendors and the like being allowed to reopen for business on Monday, Rowley said social distancing measures will remain critical in order to avoid a relapse of covid19 cases.