Putting an additional $100 a month in the pockets of social assistance recipients can actually save the government millions, the provincial coordinator for the Put Food in the Budget campaign says. “For every $1,000 we raise income (annually) we can decrease the incidence of chronic disease (such as diabetes) by 10,000 people,” Mike Balkwill said. “With the savings on health-care costs, it’s actually much cheaper.” A coalition of social agencies, medical professional associations and anti-poverty groups has been shining a light on the need for more money to be put in the system to help those living on Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program since the campaign kickoff last October and is calling on the provincial government for the additional funds to help those on social assistance have a shot at eating healthier.