The Inn of the Good Shepherd says the federal government is doing the right thing by reviewing the national poverty line.
The government is exploring raising the low-income threshold for the first time since 2008 which, at the time, caused poverty rates to climb by 2.2 per cent.
That would be done by revising the "market basket measure" which looks at the cost of essential items like home heating and groceries.
Inn Executive Director Myles Vanni said the change would give them a better idea of who needs the most help.
"We've had 12 years of inflation, and higher prices with the cost of fuel, and food going up," said Vanni. "That hasn't been taken into account so people are really measuring an 80 cent dollar because of the differences in inflation.
"So, this gives us a realistic value of defining what the level of poverty is. The government can then determine what programs are needed to help bring some of those families out of the poverty level. In particular, whether they may have increases to benefits, Ontario Works, or guaranteed income supplements."
As of 2015, the poverty line in Canada was $37,542 for a family of two adults and two children.
A Statistics Canada report estimates families will be paying about $500 more for food in 2020.
Stats Canada said changes to the national food guide need to be looked at, as well as updated housing, and transportation costs.
