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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2013-11-27, Page 11Wednesday, November 27, 2013 • Huron Expositor 11 Food bank users know the value of giving back Gerard Creces QMI Agency It's the last place anyone wants to be, but one of the first places people need to donate to. Food bank usage in Huron County has spiked in recent years, with more than 18,000 accessing the services in the past year alone. For those using the food bank, it was not an easy decision to make. The News - Record talked to three different food bank clients to illustrate just what the experience is all about. Some names have been changed to respect the persons' privacy. For Jody*, her first trip to the food bank was borne out of dis- aster. She approached the Salva- tion Army food bank following the 2011 tornado, which flat- tened a large swath of Goderich and Central Huron. It was not easy, and she questioned whether she was even deserving of the help. "When I first went, I was scared and embarrassed," she said. "Should I be doing this? I am working but there are other people that are probably worse off than I am:' That sentiment is common among first-time visitors, but necessity is greater than pride, and she said she was made to feel very comfortable by the food bank staff, who sent her home with far more than she expected. A typical box of food for Jody contains soup, beans, two choices of meat, pasta, toiletries, Gerard Creces QM Agency Dawn Climie has been using the food bank off and on for two years, and said while apprehensive at first, she soon came to realize it is there for one purpose - feeding the hungry, no matter who they are. cereal, milk, eggs and vegetables when in season. She also receives pet food and other sta- ples like laundry soap, coffee, juice and bread. Jody uses the food bank each month. She works less than 20 hours a week and is on Ontario Works. Her husband is unable to work following a workplace injury. It had a significant impact on the family of three's finances. "He was a labourer, and mak- ing good money too," she said. Technology at work. "That was a big blow." What made the first visit so difficult for Jody was likely the way she was brought up, she said. Both her parents worked hard and her family had "almost everything" Sometimes, espe- cially with a souring economy, rock bottom comes sooner than expected. The important thing is to recognize it, she said, and take advantage of the help available. "I would recommend it to anybody that is in dire straights," Contact your Maizex Seeds representative about your seed requirements to help grow your farm operation. Call Us today. maizex.com she said. "If you think you need it, go. Don't feel embarrassed - there are a lot of people out there that use it that don't feel the same." As a way of giving back, Jody volun- teers at the food bank when she can. Working 2-3 jobs and caring for her grandson does eat into that time, she said, however she stresses the impor- tance of giving back - especially when the shelves are getting empty. Don't feel like you don't want to go is her advice to anyone considering approaching the food bank. "Go and see for yourself. Don't be ashamed:" Tony* was laid off from Volvo when the grader manufacturer closed its doors in 2008. He first connected to the St. Vincent De Paul food bank through the Clinton Salvation Army office. "Things got pretty tight - the sever- ance only lasted so long." He has been using the SVDP food bank for more than a year now, getting his monthly box of food and household staples. On his first visit, he too felt embar- rassed about having to go to the food bank, though he did not know what to expect. He said he kept thinking he didn't want to or shouldn't be there, but after visiting the food bank, found it to be a welcoming and positive experi- ence. As he was leaving the St. Vincent De Paul after that first visit, he ran into someone he knew on the way out. Rather than be further embarrassed, Tony said he just accepted it. "It was just a fact of life... one of those things," he said. "I wish I wasn't doing it. I wish I was building road graders again." Between his Volvo pension and his Canada pension, he is faring better than he was on Ontario Works - which deducted his Volvo pension amount from his payments and "netted out to nothing," he said. There are times when his food bank visits are anything but rosy, he said, and it all depends on what donations are in at the time. Last week he received a litre of milk, a pound of hamburger, food for his dog, a pound of pasta with two cans of sauce, cereal, a dozen eggs, two rolls of toilet paper and some other household items. "It's supposed to last a month, but it sure as hell can't," he said. "They are struggling. All they can dole out is what they are donated. Sometimes they are just about down to the bare walls." Unlike any for-profit business, he said the more customers at the food bank, the worse things are. He quit driving a year ago when he needed eye surgery, and while he said his sight is now better than ever, his car still sits unused. By the time insurance and plates are paid for, he would have very little left, he said, so he pays a friend to bring him into town for shop- ping and appointments. He, too, gives back when he has the chance, and encourages others to do the same. "I just encourage people to donate whenever possible," he said. "Not just food - think about what you use around the house." CONTINUED > PAGE 17 Get your flu shot Free and close to home RUNAWAY. SICK, IN DANG1R, IN 1 POIALE Mike Coldough 519-525-8318 [ Cain Templeman 519-276-7663 Rosebank Seed Farms Ltd. 519-345-2697 Seaforth Thursday, November 28, 2-5 p.m. Seaforth & District Community Centre 122 Duke Street For ages 6 months and up. Drop in. Your trusted seed partner Huron County Health Unit 519.482.3416 or 1.877.837.6143 www.huronhealthunit.com