There was a time when Denise was on top of the world. A good job, a happy household with three kids, and a hearty meal on the table every night.
Then her kids grew up. She retired. And on a fixed income, everything got harder. Her rent went up. The cost of everything else climbed with it. Soon, that hearty meal on the table wasn’t looking so hearty anymore.
When her doctor explained that her health was suffering because she wasn’t getting the nutritious food her body needed, Denise felt embarrassed to admit she simply couldn’t afford it.
Denise turned to the Good Food Centre at Mission Services. Here, she found reliable access to wholesome foods and the freedom to choose what would support her well‑being — whole grains, proteins, fresh ingredients, and other nourishing options. Instead of being handed a pre-packed bag, she could select what she needed most and take enough to truly thrive.
“I remember looking at my basket and thinking they were going to stop me on my way out the door,” Denise shared. “I thought that I had taken too much, but they actually encouraged me to take a few more apples!”
Being able to access fresh produce has brightened Denise’s days. As she starts her mornings enjoying a fresh, crunchy apple (“It keeps the doctor away, you know.”), or has colourful bell peppers on her salad for the first time in years, she is thankful that she can go to the Good Food Centre for support.
Her latest visit to the doctor showed just how far she’s come. With regular access to healthy, nourishing food, Denise’s overall health has significantly improved.
“It was such a relief, getting that clean bill of health,” she said. “It’s really thanks to the Good Food Centre having the nutritious food that I needed. Normally people think of food banks as just cans and dried pasta, but being able to get fresh fruits and vegetables has made my life so much better.”
That didn’t happen because of one lucky break. It happened because steady, reliable support kept the Good Food Centre stocked with fresh produce, week after week. Month after month.
That is exactly what monthly giving provides. Nutritious food at the Good Food Centre. Safe shelter for women and children fleeing violence. Addiction support and housing for neighbours rebuilding their lives. And so much more!
You can become a monthly donor and keep these programs going for every neighbour who needs them.
