Nourishing Canadians in need thanks to you
Donate now to help a fellow Canadian
eat tomorrow
Asking “what’s for dinner” is a privileged question, one not all Canadians can ask. Pre-pandemic food bank visits were plenty, with close to 4 million citizens relying on the help of thousands of volunteers and generous donors to keep their households fed and healthy.
In our ongoing COVID-19 world, though, the realities are even bleaker; 40% of Canadians (Statistics Canada, 2020) can identify as living in a food insecure household and are:
Unable to feed their children or themselves, going to bed hungry night after night
Left with no choice but to skip their prescription medications due to a lack of food
Faced with the pulling decision of forgoing grocery shopping so they can pay rent or keep the lights on
What’s more, the mental health of Canadians continues to be significantly more strained than prior to the pandemic (Morneau Shepell, September 2020) and those who identify as food insecure have also shared their anxiety and depression has never been higher (Statistics Canada, 2020). This pandemic continues to show no signs of stopping, and it continues to leave a trail of compounding factors that are adding up, making life difficult for too many.
Food Banks Canada provides national leadership to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow in collaboration with the food bank network in Canada.
On September 28, I invited you to join me in helping support Food Bank Canada’s urgent $150M appeal to combat food insecurity and support Canadian health and well-being. Since then, we’ve together raised more than $15,000 to feed our fellow citizens in need from coast to coast to coast. Every single dollar means more meals for those in need, including Canadians who are currently employed too.
Words of hope
I had the chance to speak with someone who relies on a local food bank in the Greater Toronto Area. He asked that I keep our conversation confidential but was open to share his experiences.
“I never thought I’d one day need the help of a local food bank – and that’s the point. So many people in our communities are living with a sort of stigma on their shoulders, embarrassed to ask for help let alone show up at a food bank, running the risk of seeing someone they know. The pandemic has changed everything. I still have my job and am so fortunate to be able to work but it’s all become too much as I worry about the bills, staying physically safe, worrying about my family’s health, and eating. Thanks to those who can donate, I’m able to hold my head up and put food on the table as best as I can.”
Provincial governments are keeping citizens safe by reminding us of the urgent need to stay home and physically distance ourselves from others. For those who rely on critical community support options like food banks, being alone is the last thing they need. With our help, we’re providing a way forward for those who need help the most and I’m grateful for the kindness and compassion you’ve displayed in these three short weeks.
As my thank you, receive a copy of my new cookbook which includes traditional recipes my Nonna used to make.
Donations continue to be welcome and I invite you to consider making a donation in any amount you can. You’ll get a tax receipt and your very own copy of my new cookbook, My Nonna Ma’s Kitchen, written in honour of my grandmother who passed away in the thick of the pandemic.
In case you missed it
A special thank you to CTV Toronto, CTV News, CBC, CBC Ottawa, CBC News for raising the profile on food insecurity and Canadian well-being.
Honoured to be featured by CTV Toronto - helping spread the word on Canadian well-being and food insecurity
Thank you Alan Neal for having me on your show.
Check out my Nonna’s famous ravioli recipe on cbc.ca
