Hundreds of Families Turn to Food Bank for the First Time this Year

Since the pandemic began, hundreds of Maritimers have been forced to turn to The Salvation Army’s food bank for the first time. This was a reality for Scott and his wife.

The couple were both working and had their finances in check but since the pandemic their financial security spiraled downward.

“My wife is a nurse who worked at a nursing home where there were cases of COVID- 19,” Scott explains. “She got laid off and since she was casual, she didn’t qualify for any monetary services at all. That situation coupled with an injury meant we were down to one income.”

“We literally had no money for food”

Scott reached out to The Salvation Army requesting food service. He remembered his sister asking for help for a brief two-week period last year; that prompted him to place the call.

“I thought about how my sister received support when she needed it so I knew that I could call The Salvation Army and avail of the same service, after all, that’s what the services are for,” Scott says. “We literally had no money for food.”

“The Salvation Army saved us”

Thankfully, Scott’s wife landed another job in her field and they are now back on their feet.

“The Salvation Army came to our rescue and got us through the hump,” Scott says. “We’ve never been in this situation before and now our Christmas will be golden.”

Now, Scott has a strong desire to give back and in the new year he plans to contribute to The Salvation Army Family Services. “The Salvation Army saved us, and we are very grateful for the support we’ve received.”

You can help ensure The Salvation Army can continue providing essential services, such as food banks and shelters, by donating online this Christmas.

By: Jan Keats