Food Bank Serves as a Lifeline for Retiree on Fixed Income

The high cost of living in Canada impacts all demographics, including retired seniors.

For some, a pension is no longer enough to cover basic needs. This is the case for Shirley, who has managed to stay afloat with the help of The Salvation Army.

“Some seniors can afford food, but some of us can’t because we have to pay our bills. What is left over is usually not very much,” Shirley says.

The Salvation Army food bank in Wiarton, Ont., has been a lifeline for Shirley in recent years.

“When you are down and out or feel upset, they will help you through your problems.”

“I’m glad we have the food bank to fall back on. If us seniors didn’t have the food bank to fall back on, we would be going hungry,” she says.

Shirley is no stranger to The Salvation Army. As a mother of seven, she was helped in the 1990s with food hampers for her family and Christmas toys for her children during the holidays.

She remembers feeling scared when she first entered the food bank; however, Shirley says the staff quickly changed her mood as they welcomed her and made her feel safe.

“The people at The Salvation Army were very nice. When you are down and out or feel upset, they will help you through your problems,” Shirley adds.

Now that her children are grown, Shirley lives on her own. Whenever she is in need, her children offer their help and have provided for her in the past. Although Shirley appreciates what they do for her she likes to remain independent and believes the food bank has helped her with that.

“I don’t want to interrupt my children’s lives because I’m hungry,” Shirley says. “The Salvation Army has helped me quite a lot and I appreciate it. I am so grateful to them.”

“The Salvation Army has helped me quite a lot and I appreciate it.”

Over the years, Shirley has received more than just food assistance. The Community and Family Services team have helped her with clothing and medical needs.

Shirley believes that although she is still in a challenging spot, the food bank’s assistance has improved her outlook as she knows the support she needs is available.

“I love The Salvation Army because they do amazing things for people. I very much appreciate what they do for me,” Shirley shares.

By Juan Romero