By PAN Contributor Lynn
One day a couple months ago I was asked if I have used the food bank. I replied that I have never used it but lately have been wondering if I could or should. I say this because I live with my elderly father so I am not unhoused and I do have enough food so I kind of felt that I shouldn’t really access it. After talking with my friend she said that what she tells people is, if you’re wondering if you should use a local food bank, then you probably should. I don’t make a lot of money being that I am on disability. The cost of living has gone up so much there are more people than ever accessing the food banks in their cities. It does not eliminate grocery shopping but it does help stretch my money farther.
I decided to give it a try. I must say that I don’t think I would have gone the first time without all the support I got and still get from Sarah at PAN. She told me how to make the appointment and I got one for almost the same time as her so I was able to have her with me my first time. I was very nervous and actually had a big lump in my throat at one point. I just never thought I would be in a position where I would have to use a food bank.
I have nothing but good things to say about my experience. The volunteers were so friendly and helpful and they made me feel so welcome that I didn’t stay nervous for long. Once you sign in and it’s your time then you get to start ‘shopping.’ I use the term ‘shopping’ because you get to pick what food you want just like in a grocery store. They have all the food in bins which are set up on tables. There are volunteers standing with the bins and they tell you how many items you are allowed to take. The amount of food you receive is based on the number of people in your family or the number you are picking up food for. Most of the time you can take as much produce as you want and quite often as much bread as you can use too. I have been fortunate enough to get a yummy pie of some sort each time I go which my dad really enjoys. I also get meat, cheese, eggs, other dairy items as well as deli items and they even have dog and cat food some weeks.
I was happy to write this article about my experience at the food bank. I am hoping that others who may feel nervous, embarrassed or even ashamed like I did, will feel more comfortable accessing the food bank. It was a very humbling experience for me. I never thought that I would be in a position of needing to use a food bank. Due to health issues I am unable to work and am on disability, which does not pay very much. The cost of living has risen so much that even some working folks are finding they need to access their local food bank. As I said, it was a very humbling experience for me, but also a positive one. I actually look forward to my appointment every two weeks. I should mention that I make an appointment for my time rather than just showing up. It makes it so I don’t have to stand too long in line and the earlier you get there of course, the selection will be better.
That was my experience at the Nanaimo food bank. The location I go to is Christ Community Church on Bowen Road. All of their locations and any other information you may want is on the Loaves and Fishes website. I am happy to say I am now a regular user and go every two weeks. It has also definitely helped me stretch my money farther.
Poverty Advocacy Nanaimo 