The Canadian federal government will launch the Canada Grocery Card Program on September 15, 2025, to help fight food insecurity. This program will provide monthly grocery support to low-income households, giving families the freedom to choose healthy food while reducing the impact of inflation and rising prices.
Canada Grocery Card Program 2025
The Canada Grocery Card Program is a federally funded initiative offering reloadable grocery cards, similar to prepaid debit cards, to eligible Canadians.
Key features:
- Monthly reloads based on household size
- Usable at major grocery stores and local participating shops
- No cash withdrawals, grocery use only
- Available as digital or physical cards
- Automatic eligibility checks through CRA data
This approach replaces traditional food aid with a more flexible, dignified system, giving recipients control over their purchases.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility will be determined automatically for most households using 2024 tax returns and enrollment in existing benefit programs.
You must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Have household income below the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO)
- Have filed your 2024 taxes
- Be enrolled in benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or GST Credit
Estimated Income and Card Amounts
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Monthly Grocery Card Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $22,000 | $100 |
| 2 persons | $30,000 | $150 |
| 3 persons | $38,000 | $200 |
| 4+ persons | $46,000 | $250 |
Families receiving child or disability benefits will be prioritized in the initial rollout.
How the Grocery Card Works
The card can be used for eligible grocery purchases, including:
- Fresh produce, grains, dairy, eggs
- Meat, poultry, seafood
- Infant food and formula
- Non-alcoholic beverages
It cannot be used for:
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Restaurant meals
- Non-food household items
Major participating retailers will include Loblaws, Metro, Walmart, Sobeys, and local grocery partners.
Program Rollout
The program starts on September 15, 2025, in provinces with higher food insecurity rates, such as Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Nationwide expansion is planned for early 2026.
Program Benefits
The grocery card is expected to:
- Provide dignity and autonomy to low-income households
- Reduce reliance on food banks
- Simplify administration through CRA systems
- Improve nutrition and public health outcomes
The government has allocated $1.2 billion over two years, with possible extensions based on results.
The Canada Grocery Card Program marks a major step in addressing food insecurity with a flexible and dignified solution. Eligible Canadians should ensure their CRA profile and tax records are up-to-date to avoid delays when the program launches.
FAQs
When does the grocery card program start?
September 15, 2025.
How much will a family of four get monthly?
$250 per month.
Do I need to apply for the grocery card?
No, eligibility is determined automatically via CRA data.
Can I withdraw cash from the grocery card?
No, it can only be used for grocery purchases.
Which provinces get the card first?
Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
