When Volodymyr moved to Canada with his family, they were escaping the war in Ukraine and looking for safety and a fresh start.
They left the war behind, but rebuilding their lives in Toronto came with a new set of challenges.
“At first, I felt really ashamed to go to the food bank in Toronto. Back home, my job provided us with a house, a car, and as much food as we needed,” says Volodymyr. “In Toronto we felt grateful for peace, but we were starting from zero. I needed a new job and home. It takes time.”
Within a few months, Volodymyr found work at a non-profit organization. But even with a job, the cost of living in the city made it difficult to provide the same financial security his family had experienced in Ukraine.
“Almost my entire salary needed to go to rent, even though I found a good job and one of the best-priced apartments on the market,” says Volodymyr. “When you have to choose between paying for rent or food for your kids—that is not a normal situation.”
For Volodymyr, that choice is a reality that too many families across the city understand. Right now, 1 in 4 Toronto households are experiencing food insecurity. The rising costs of essentials like housing, transportation, and food are forcing thousands of neighbours to make difficult choices like whether to pay rent or put food on the table.
Access to nutritious food has made a meaningful difference for Volodymyr and his family. His children, who are just 10 and 12 years old, need wholesome meals for their development. “My kids are still growing,” he says. “They need fresh food and nutrients like protein, not just once a week but every day. At the Daily Bread Food Bank, I can get milk, meat, fruits, and vegetables.”
The food his family receives has a profound impact. It provides relief and peace of mind for a parent who wants to make sure his children have enough to eat.
Volodymyr is deeply grateful to the donors who make that possible. “The availability of food each day depends on donations. Your support means everything. Thank you for helping families like ours get through the hardest situations of our lives.”
Your donation helps provide food, dignity and stability to families across Toronto. This Thanksgiving, you can help make sure families like Volodymyr’s have access to nutritious food during a time of year when gathering around a meal should be about connection and gratitude, not worrying about whether there will be enough to eat.
Thank you for helping our neighbours facing hunger.
If you would like to help ensure more families have access to the food they need this Thanksgiving, please consider making a donation today.
