This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Campbell Canada for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
When people think about who uses the food banks in Canada, they have a certain image in their heads. The truth is there are many people from all walks of life using the food banks. I was a new teen mom trying to finish school waiting in line every week for a small hamper to help get me and my daughter by. At first I was embarrassed and scared to even go and ask for help. I called ahead and found out what I needed to bring, showed up expecting to see a bunch of rougher looking people. What I saw was not what I expected. I saw families with children, working families who were living pay check to pay check. I saw seniors who were struggling to stretch their pensions and I saw students. I saw people driving cars, dressed nicely and all feeling like they had nowhere else to turn. More than one-third of individuals helped are children and youth, and more than 40% of households receiving food are families with children.
Each time I would go, I would talk to the people waiting alongside me. They all had their stories and reasons for being there. Talking to them I no longer was embarrassed or ashamed. I realized we all were there as we needed this service. Nobody talked down to us, they were all kind and welcoming. Nearly one in six households helped are working, yet still need a food bank to make ends meet.
They helped me with diapers, personal products, formula for my baby and food. Food I could not afford at the time. Fresh fruits, meats and milk were the things I was most grateful for. I saw some people request cleaning products, pet food and special items for their specific diets. The volunteers did what they could to get these to each family. The size of the hamper depended on the size and needs of the family.
Talking to the people who ran this much-needed facility, I realized they needed more volunteers. they needed more food and items to help as many people as possible. They wish they could give more, more often. Over 800,000 Canadians utilize food banks each month and unfortunately this number continues to grow year over year.
When my situation changed, years later, I decided I was in a position to give back. I volunteered my time and donated food when possible. I would drop off diapers my children grew out of and any food we had extra. Now I send food from my blog and pick up items I know they can use when shopping. Most grocery stores across Canada have a box to leave donations.
Campbell Canada is doing its part in helping make sure Canadians have access to real, wholesome food. The goal of the Help Hunger Disappear® is to help food banks buy fresh produce for people in need.
We all deserve access to real, wholesome food. By participating in Campbell Canada’s Help Hunger Disappear® program Campbell Canada will donate money to food banks to give access to fresh produce to those in need. This could be your neighbour, family or friends.
As a community, we all need to get involved. Ways that you can help: Donate food or money and volunteer your time.
Campbell is supporting food banks across Canada. Find out what Campbell Canada is doing to help through its Help Hunger Disappear® program at http://www.helphungerdisappear.ca
Things change quickly and one day, you too may need to use this service. The need for a food bank often happens suddenly – after the unexpected loss of a job, for example, or in the days and weeks after a family breakup. Every day, people find themselves in situations of distress, with few places to turn for help.
Donate what you can, time, food or cash is always welcomed. They say it takes a village to raise a child, we all can do our part to make this an accessible resource for all who need it. We all deserve access to real, wholesome food. By participating in Campbell Canada’s Help Hunger Disappear® program, Campbell Canada will donate money to food banks to give access to fresh produce to those in need.
Share your food bank story below, have you used this service? I would love to hear how you volunteer or give back as well.
That’s pretty awesome of you to share your experience of using the food bank. Hats off to Campbell’s too.
It’s so good when we can give help to each other- and an important experience to involve our kids in, too!
I am so touched that you are sharing this personal part of your life. We all need help at some point so I’m glad that Campbell Canada gives money to support food banks.
we regularly donate to to our local food bank, and your are totally right there are all sorts of different people and families that need a helping hand for one reason or another. And I want people in my community to know that there are people who care and will help out. Getting my kids involved in giving back is important too.
This is so amazing! Any way to be able to give back to those in need is an awesome cause.
I love to support companies that give back. I like to volunteer at the local food bank every weekend. It is so important to give back in any way you can.
I am lucky in that we have not been in the position to use a food bank. However, we know people who do.
We donate to the food bank at our church. We also donate to food drives and to meals for homeless or people who need them.
We all have a responsibility to help our neighbours.
I am happy to hear that Campbell’s donate fresh food. We buy their excellent products.
I am so blessed that I’ve never had to rely on a food bank. Because of that, I make sure I donate to our local food bank whenever I can.
This is so awesome! I love anything that helps people in need.
Thanks for sharing this with us, giving and helping others clean our souls and soften our hearts!
I would love to help support Campbell Canada’s Help Hunger Disappear® program. I think it is so important to help out your local food bank. I donate every month to help out.
I love being able to donate to our food bank. You never know when you might also need help so it’s nice to have places like Campbell’s donating.
It’s always good to know when major companies like Campbell’s are giving back to the community. Food banks and similar programs for the hungry really do make a difference for those in need.
I had no idea so many Canadians relied on food banks. Sure appreciate Campbell’s for their efforts.
looks like a great opperation. i would give a few things from my pantry if i was closer.
This is touching. It feels good to be able to help those who are in need, and also good to know that there are still big companies who supports this act.
It is so important to give back and help those in need. It’s such a great example to set for your children. It’s fantastic that a large company participates on things like this.
Thank you for sharing your story. My mother had to depend on the food bank for help as well. She was on disability and it just wasn’t enough to get her through the month. We donate as often as we can to our local food bank.
I know what it’s like not to know if you will have good to feed your family. Thank you for bringing awareness to this organization.