There is a troubling report from Food Banks Canada indicating that rising levels of poverty and hunger are becoming normalized. This underscores the challenges faced by countless people right here at home who are simply trying to make ends meet. It’s not as easy as it used to be for Barrie resident Belinda, but she makes it work. “There’s just not enough funds to cover the bills, to cover the rent, to cover transportation, and to provide the food,” Belinda said. Belinda, who prefers to be called Billy, has worked hard all her life. She has a pension, but it’s simply not enough. “It’s something that I must do,” she said quietly. “I’m feeling a little under the weather today (Monday), but I must do it. And that is why I’m here,” she said as she loaded at her cart at the Barrie Food Bank. Billy takes care of her adult daughter, who can’t work. They both need to eat, so she visits the food bank once a month. “I can budget out the food over the 30 days,” she explained. “It doesn’t last 30. It might last two weeks.” Still, it helps cover the gaps. Billy’s story is far from unique. According to statistics, more than 7,500 people use the Barrie Food Bank every month. “They’re doing everything right,” said Karen Shuh, executive director of the Barrie Food Bank. “They’ve gone to school, they’re working, they just can’t get a break. The safety net has eroded to the extent that they find themselves here.” It’s not just the physical stress of not having enough food; there’s a social toll as well. “They’ll rack up their Visa bills, go against their line of credit, or start selling their assets,” Shuh said. “They’ll beg from family and friends before they even make their way to the food bank. Maybe that’s shame and embarrassment, but there’s a whole epidemic behind what we’re seeing.” Even those who do make it to the food bank still battle feelings of shame. “I would not make it without it,” Belinda admitted. But for Billy and so many others like her, there’s simply no other choice.
