The Good Shepherd food bank in Hamilton is playing a crucial role in helping residents put food on their tables as they face economic hardships caused by the pandemic. According to a recent report by Feed Ontario, food banks across the city and province are experiencing unprecedented demand due to factors such as unaffordable housing prices, inflation, and unstable employment.
One of the users of the Good Shepherd program, Reyna Rodriguez, emphasized the importance of the food bank in her life, stating that without it, her family would not have enough to eat. Rodriguez lost her full-time job during the pandemic and now works part-time, earning minimum wage to support her husband and two children. Despite her best efforts, there is very little money left for food after covering rent and bills.
The situation faced by Rodriguez is not unique. Hamilton Food Share, which distributes food and donations to 23 programs including Good Shepherd, has reported a significant increase in the number of households accessing food banks in the city. The organization noted a staggering 40 percent increase between March 2022 and 2023.
Mike Troskot, who oversees the charity’s emergency food program at the Venture Centre, described the demand as being at an all-time high. So far this year, the program has served approximately 30,000 households. Troskot also mentioned the Christmas marketplace program, which provides presents and the staple ingredients for a traditional holiday meal on top of regular food offerings. Around 3,800 families are expected to benefit from this program.
The success of the Good Shepherd program would not be possible without dedicated volunteers like Noah Fralick, who joined the organization out of frustration at the poverty experienced by many residents. Fralick acknowledged the scale of food insecurity in the region and expressed his belief that the issue should be addressed by the federal and provincial governments rather than relying solely on charitable organizations like Good Shepherd.
Marsha Walker, another user of the Good Shepherd food bank, highlighted the difficult choices some families are forced to make. As a caregiver for her bedridden husband, Walker relies on disability support. After paying rent and bills, she is left with only $75 each month to spend on food. For her, it has become a matter of choosing between paying rent or buying food, a heart-wrenching decision that no one should have to make.
The current situation faced by food banks in Hamilton demonstrates the urgent need for government intervention in addressing the root causes of food insecurity. While organizations like Good Shepherd play a critical role in meeting immediate needs, sustainable long-term solutions must be implemented to ensure that every individual and family has access to affordable housing, stable employment, and sufficient income to afford nutritious food.
As households continue to struggle with rising living costs and limited job opportunities, the demand for food banks remains high. It is essential for communities, governments, and individuals to come together to support these initiatives and work towards creating a society where no one has to go hungry.
