Salvation Army Food Bank Client is Grateful for Stability and Support

For over 25 years, The Salvation Army in Bowmanville, Ont., has been present in Kat Collins’ life. Thanks to the food bank, Kat has found a sense of stability while living on a limited income.

When Kat was first introduced to the Army, she was a single mother to two children. The food bank helped get everything her family needed food-wise.

“I was a little bit hesitant and intimidated about going to The Salvation Army, but they always made us feel welcome and greeted us with a smile. They were so accommodating and non-judgmental,” Kat shares.

“They were so accommodating and non-judgmental.”

She recalls that back then, the hampers she received from The Salvation Army during Christmas made the holiday season more special for her children. Now that her children are grown, Kat is living on her own. But due to a previous car accident, she has been unable to work for years.

“My income is limited because I’ve been off on disability. I did try to work quite a few jobs, but I just wasn’t able to do it,” she adds.

Most of Kat’s income goes toward paying her rent. She says the food bank’s help has been crucial to make her income last and cover additional monthly expenses.

“Twenty to $30 is usually what I have for my groceries, my gas, and whatever else I may need. So, it has helped a lot. I don’t know where I’d be without them,” Kat explains.

“They have helped me tremendously, especially being on a fixed income.”

Based on her experience with the food bank, Kat says staff do their best to accommodate each client’s needs. In the past, Kat says they’ve even helped her with pet food.

“I would come in with a list of everything that I needed, and they would take the list and go back in the pantry and try to find as much of it as they could. They saved me; I don’t know how many times over the years.”

For Kat, access to the food bank is essential. She would not even want to think what she would do if she didn’t have it. She feels extremely grateful for the support she has received over the years.

“It’s been a blessing. They have helped me tremendously, especially being on a fixed income,” Kat says.

By Juan Romero

Note: Pictured from left to right is Tatianna Hann, food bank assistant and Kat Collins, client.