The government of Grenada has introduced its Cost-of-Living Assistance Programme designed to bring relief to the neediest households in Grenada. The programme is being formulated to help cushion the effects of the spiraling Cost-of-living syndrome that has taken on a global dimension, affecting many small island States like Grenada Prime Minister, Dr Keith Mitchell, first made the pronouncement of his government's intention to help needy families with milk and food supplies during the presentation of the 2008 Budget. Mitchell stated that there will be a free milk distribution programme targeting the homes of needy and vulnerable children under fifteen years of age. In the short to medium term, some 1,800 families are expected to benefit. He also announced the introduction of an emergency Food Basket Distribution Scheme, which will run at a cost of some eight million dollars, to last for one year. Under the cost-of-living assistance programme, beneficiaries will, on a monthly basis, receive milk, sugar, rice, chicken and oil in their Food Basket. This will be on the basis of what is called a Risk and Vulnerability Assessment, undertaken by the Ministry of Social Development and Housing, taking into account consideration of consumption patterns. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com