Food Bank Supports Client Through a Tough Period of Unemployment
After an accident in 2024, Peter Wodhams lost his job and faced an unfamiliar challenge: making ends meet on limited funds.
For some time, Peter struggled to find work while Employment Insurance (EI) benefits were not enough to cover his monthly expenses. As a result, he turned to The Salvation Army’s food bank in Listowel, Ont.
“They were very helpful and made me feel comfortable.”
“I explained my challenges to the staff at The Salvation Army. They were very helpful and made me feel comfortable. They understood my situation and explained to me how their services worked,” Peter recalls.
The food bank allowed Peter to pick up groceries once a month, helping him stretch every dollar. The money he saved could go toward other essentials.
“What was left helped me cover rent, hydro and internet. Things like that,” he says.
Reflecting on his experience with the food bank, Peter greatly appreciated how staff and volunteers treated clients with dignity throughout the process.
“They guide you and ask what items you want specifically,” Peter says. “Of course, it was nice to be able to choose, plus they had a large selection.”
During his visits to The Salvation Army, Peter learned about other services offered by the organization, including community dinners and church events.
“I probably would have gone days without eating if it wasn’t for the food bank.”
Although he did not access additional support, Peter appreciated knowing that extra help was available. He loved interacting with staff whenever he visited the food bank.
“Talking to them felt like a break from all the stress in my life at the time.”
While this was Peter’s first time accessing this type of assistance, he chose to stay level-headed and focused on finding employment. However, the uncertainty of his situation weighed on him.
“I probably would have gone days without eating if it wasn’t for the food bank,” Peter shares. “And that can be scary to think about. You know, like not being able to eat because you can’t afford it.”
He persevered. After successfully completing his three-month probation period, Peter is now working at an RV camping store. He is back on his feet, financially stable and no longer needs to access the food bank. However, he has not forgotten about the organization that provided him with a safety net.
Recently, he donated to The Salvation Army in Listowel as an act of gratitude.
“I figured it was only fair to give back,” he says. “If I used the service before, I should now be able to donate so somebody else in need can eat.”
By Juan Romero
