A month after Kristina unexpectedly lost her husband, she discovered she was expecting twins.
She found herself in unimaginable circumstances: she was left alone to raise her twin daughters and two older boys. Her husband had been the primary breadwinner, so Kristina was forced to leave their family home, move to a shelter—and turn to Daily Bread Food Bank for urgently needed support.
For the first two years after her daughters were born, Kristina relied regularly on fresh, nutritious food from Daily Bread. It was the most difficult time of her life. She was grief-stricken yet still caring for her young daughters and sons aged 5 and 9. All this while managing a painful, chronic health condition resulting from her pregnancy. The income she received from the Ontario Disability Support Program(ODSP) was simply not enough to provide for her family.
“When I first went to the food bank, I felt like I was failing, like I had screwed up,” says Kristina. “I used to have a job. I have a university degree. I never imagined I’d need a food bank. But that was before my health issues, before I lost my husband, before having four children to support,” she adds. “Now I realize that I was in a really difficult situation and I just needed help.”
And she is not alone—more than 1 in 10 Torontonians now rely on food banks. Insufficient wages, inadequate income supports, unaffordable housing, and the rising cost of living mean we will see even more neighbours needing food support over the holidays.
Kristina’s twins are now 7, while her boys are 12 and 16. Though her life is different with new challenges, she takes comfort in knowing that Daily Bread is still there for her when her family is need of support.
“These days, I still rely on the food bank, especially for fresh fruits like peaches, strawberries (my kids’ favourites), and school lunch snacks,” says Kristina. “We’re so grateful for these things because it’s surprising how quickly food items add up. Every bit of help makes a difference to our family.”
The increasing cost of food and other essentials, along with systemic barriers, has made it extremely difficult for families on low or fixed incomes, like Kristina’s, to put food on the table. Daily Bread is now serving an average of over 300,000 client visits each month.
Many neighbours, like Kristina, are pushed into poverty by circumstances beyond their control, and the holiday season can be a particularly difficult time for Torontonians experiencing food insecurity. Your support ensures that we can provide relief, hope, and fresh, nutritious food to families.
If you would like to help neighbours facing hunger this holiday season, please click here to donate today.
