The 2023 federal budget was released yesterday afternoon and Cochranites are talking about the "grocery rebate".

The "grocery rebate" is a one-time increase to the Goods and Services Tax Credit (GST Credit or GSTC).

For many people in the community, the raising prices on the shelves are taking their toll.

"The rising cost of food is changing how I grocery shop,” says Sam from Riversong. “I'm buying a lot more frozen veggies and fruit and then preparing them in different ways. Really watching for sales on certain things and really like sticking to the veggies that are less expensive.”:

Alice from Sunset Ridge says the rising prices have forced her to start going to Calgary more and more. “I actually started grocery shopping at Costco to buy more products in bulk. We definitely try and shop local but there are cost-effective ways to buy some groceries and we're taking them.”

With the new “grocery rebate”, couples with two children who meet the eligibility criteria can receive a one-time payment of up to $467. Similarly, eligible seniors can receive a payment of $225, while eligible single individuals can get $234. The government hopes that this measure will positively impact the lives of those who need it the most and help them get back on their feet.

“My meal planning has become more essential than ever to try and cut random shopping out of my life for random food that we didn't plan to eat nor do we need.” Kathy from Cochrane said.