Back in the good old days, from around the 60's and onwards, Toronto the good had its social workers make special visits to the homes of the welfare recipients, who were carefully checking all the cupboards and fridges to make sure that there was no expensive food, i kid you not, such as butter instead of margarine, red meats and fish instead of cans, exotic fruits and veggies, honey, etc. By the end of the 80's, and with my arrival, i too had regular visiting workers at that time, however they were more relaxed about the contents of the fridge by then.  The truth hurts. A part of our Canadian heritage. 

(via ACORN Canada)
http://halifax.mediacoop.ca/story/when-buying-socks-poor-no-solution/32727