A government program providing financial assistance or price discounts on essential goods:

Grant
Loan
Subsidy
Tax rebate

The correct answer is: C. Subsidy

A subsidy is a form of financial assistance that the government provides to an individual, business, or organization. Subsidies are often used to encourage certain activities, such as investing in renewable energy or providing affordable housing. They can also be used to offset the costs of goods or services that are considered essential, such as food or healthcare.

A grant is a sum of money that is given to an individual or organization without having to be repaid. Grants are often used to fund research, education, or other charitable activities.

A loan is a sum of money that is borrowed from a lender and must be repaid with interest. Loans are often used to finance major purchases, such as a home or car.

A tax rebate is a refund of taxes that have been paid. Tax rebates are often given to individuals or businesses as a way to stimulate the economy.

In the case of a government program providing financial assistance or price discounts on essential goods, the correct answer is subsidy. This is because a subsidy is a form of financial assistance that the government provides to an individual, business, or organization to encourage certain activities or to offset the costs of goods or services that are considered essential.