On the edge

Linda Downey and volunteers sort food gathered as part of the Wellington United Church group AOTS annual food drive and bound for County homes.

Pulling back the veil on hunger in our community

John and Lisa (not their real names) were expecting their second child when Lisa learned she had breast cancer. At about the same time, John learned his hours would be cut back at work to part-time. He was needed more at home so the extra time was appreciated— but the family couldn’t get by on his part-time wages alone.

Lisa declined treatment of the cancer until her baby was born—at the risk of making her own condition worse. Since then, Lisa has given birth to baby girl, and has begun taking cancer treatment several days a week in Kingston.

She has also taken on a part-time job.

The family struggled quietly until a friend reached out to one of the foodbanks in the County, to recommend the family for this service.

They wouldn’t come to the foodbank for help,” said Linda Downey of the Storehouse Foodbank in Wellington. “It is very common. Most people won’t ask for help—even if they really need it. This family has gas expenses back and forth from Kingston, on top of expenses for baby food and diapers.”

John and Lisa are among the surprsing number of working families in Prince Edward County who aren’t certain where their next meal will come from.

According to the Vital Signs report released last month by the County Community Foundation, more than 10 per cent of the population of Hastings and Prince Edward County aren’t getting the amount or the quality of food they need—a much higher percentage than the provincial average. But it gets worse. More than five per cent—or one in 20—residents in our community simply aren’t getting enough to eat each week.

It is shocking to many that folks are going hungry in a community such as Prince Edward County.

The fact is that there are a wealth of programs and services in this community offered by an array of groups and agencies. Lunch programs in the schools. After school youth programs. There are three foodbanks in the County. Yet folks continue to go hungry. Typically out of sight. And often refusing ask for help.

Linda Downey says three key factors put relentless pressure upon working families and seniors— those most vulnerable to food insecurity according to Downey. There is a severe shortage of affordable housing options and alternatives in Prince Edward County.

Public transit for most in Prince Edward County is non-existent. Working families must own and maintain a car in order to hold down a job. Compounding these problems is that in Prince Edward County, affordable child care is scarce. None of these challenges is easily fixed.

Families and seniors in our community are regularly faced with the terrible dilemma of choosing between food or heat. Or electricity. Or cancer treatments.

The transportation challenge is so dire for some in the County that several families car pool to the foodbank each month.

Downey organized the Storehouse Foodbank six years ago with the encouragement of her church pastor. Since then the need has grown steadily. Currently she is providing a hamper of food to 102 families each month. Most have been referred to her from churches, schools or other agencies.

People don’t want to ask for help.

She says it often takes weeks or months before she is able to gain the trust of the families she is working to assist.

“No one wants to be in this situation,” explains Downey.

But there are forms that must be completed. Income must be validated. Children must be accounted for by birth certificate. Nothing is assumed.

“The hardest part of my role is building trust,” said Downey. “But I don’t want people to fear they won’t have a plate of food tomorrow. I want to take that fear away.”

Last year, Downey was introduced to an older gentleman who appeared to be enduring a tough time. When she visited his apartment a propane heater perched on a book shelf was the only thing shielding him from the cold of winter. His rent was consuming nearly all of his monthly government income.

“It took me a while to gain his trust,” said Downey. “Many are terrified I am trying to stick them in a home.

“But I try to assure them that this is your community offering assistance. We all care. We want to see you live the rest of your life comfortably.”

Despite some successes, Downey is haunted by the knowledge that there are surely more folks she isn’t reaching.