As a young adult, attending school, I found it very difficult to make ends meet financially. With my disability, I found it impossible to seek employment to supplement my income. Thankfully, my practicum was held at the local food bank. I was able to use their services guilt-free, and experience what it was like to be a client. This greatly increased my ability to relate to the client base, and understand what they would have to undergo just to be fed.
“Through smiles and tears, I’ve learned to quote “everyone needs at some point.””
On the other hand, I was able to observe and assist through my practicum as a college student in ways that I otherwise thought didn’t exist. There is so much more to the concept of food banking than just feeding the public.
I’ve watched as volunteers meticulously sorted the food product, all the while smiling and forming their own sense of community with each other. I’ve also spoken to many clients, ever willing to tell their story as to why they feel a need to use food bank services. Through smiles and tears, I’ve learned to quote “everyone needs at some point”. Where one may need a lawyer for a once in a lifetime
occurrence, another may need an electrician. Just as much, we need to eat.
Even deeper, I’ve experienced the sense of community through the food bank as we partner with many community supports. Each month, we assist other facilities so they in kind may assist clients who have a greater need for food, thereby forming a dietary “safety net”, so no one will be left hungry. To this extent, I’ve decided to pursue outreach in my community, and help make sure that no one is left behind. The tight-knit community supports that the food bank has shown me gives me a greater hope for success and change.
Soumis par the Brantford Food Bank Le lien ouvre une nouvelle fenêtredans le cadre de la galerie "25 ans de changement de vie".
Merci au commanditaire du Mois de l'action contre la faim, Cargill Canada !