The demand for food banks is on the rise as the cost of food and general inflation places individuals and families in a
heart-wrenching predicament — having to decide between paying essential bills or putting food on the table.
Linda Downey, co-founder of the Wellington & District StoreHouse Foodbank, understands the anxiety and stigma associated with seeking help from a food bank all too well. Years ago, she found herself in a similar situation.
As a single mother working multiple jobs and raising two young girls, pride prevented her from reaching out for assistance. She believed that others were in greater need than herself. However, fate had a way of intervening. During a particularly difficult Christmas in 1986, Linda’s desperation grew as she realized she had nothing to offer her daughters. But just as hope seemed to fade, a knock came upon her door.
One in five Canadians are regularly consuming less food than they require, with approximately 6,000 residents of Prince Edward County grappling with food insecurity. Learn more at vitalsigns.thecountyfoundation.ca
A neighbour had secretly nominated her at the Seventh Day Adventists Church in Belleville, and to her surprise, Linda received a Christmas hamper filled with gifts. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she couldn’t help but cry tears of both joy and humility. She wanted to refuse the help, insisting that there were others more deserving, but deep down, she knew that her daughters deserved to experience the joy of the holiday season.
In the following years, Linda's personal promise to "pay it forward" took shape. Together with her husband, Robert, she founded the StoreHouse Food Bank in 2007. Their mission was to support not only families on government assistance but also the working poor and seniors who were silently struggling. She empathized with their hesitation and sought to create a safe space where everyone felt welcomed. Over time, Linda's dedication to helping others grew stronger. Linda recognized the need to expand the Storehouse's services beyond just providing food. The organization began offering clothing and household items, school supplies, snowsuits for children, and hampers filled with Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas essentials and gifts.
Linda also understands the unique challenges faced by seniors, who often find it difficult to ask for help. When the pandemic isolated seniors at home, the hot meal delivery program was initiated to help fill a need. The pandemic has also brought forth new hardships, and regionally the number of seniors visiting food banks has doubled due to the rising cost of living.
The StoreHouse Foodbank
Paying it forward has created a ripple effect of compassion that extends far beyond the walls of the food bank.
The StoreHouse Foodbank has become a testament to the generosity of the community and the selflessness of countless volunteers. Linda's commitment to caring and paying it forward has created a network of support that has touched the lives of hundreds. This serves as a reminder that each act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a world of difference to someone in need.
Recently, Linda took a moment to reflect on her journey. She felt compelled to express her gratitude to the Seventh Day Adventists Church, the very organization that had shown her kindness when she needed it most. In a heartfelt letter, Linda shared her story and how their act of compassion had shaped her life's purpose. Little did she know that her letter arrived at a critical time for the church, as they were considering shutting down their food bank. Linda's words reminded them of the profound impact they had made and encouraged them to continue their invaluable work.
Linda understands that anyone can find themselves in need, regardless of their circumstances, and she encourages those struggling with food insecurity to reach out for help.
So, what can we do?
As shared with Linda’s story, one big action we can take is to remove the stigma behind reaching out or needing help. You could also choose to “pay it forward” like Linda by supporting a local food security program by financial means, food donations or by rolling up your sleeves and volunteering.
You can find a list of local food programs at Vital Signs - Food Security and Food Security donation opportunities through The County Foundation.
Finally, and probably most impactfully, we need to find ways to support financial stability. Canada has more than enough food to feed Canadians. The issues and what drives the need for food banks are growth in precarious employment, lack of affordable housing and insufficient social assistance programs.
