Affordable Access to Nutritious Food
Back in 2007, Mara fell ill. She was in and out of the hospital with an episodic, chronic illness that was disabling. At times she could run around and do errands. At other times, she’d be bedridden for weeks.
While Mara was able to get CPP Disability, she immediately discovered it did not cover the cost of housing, let alone anything else. As rent was now costing her 120% of her income, Mara was quickly being drained of her savings (as housing should only cost 30% of one’s income to leave money for life’s other necessities).
Mara ended up turning to Jewish Family Services (JFS), an organization that offers a diversity of services, from home support to counselling and advocacy. JFS is also where Mara first learned of Food Stash Foundation and our Rescued Food Box membership program; a program where we deliver 30 pounds of healthy, perishable food every week for just $10 per delivery. Mara quickly became a member, gaining affordable access to nutritious food.
A Beacon of Hope
For Mara, access to food meant the difference between despair and hope. She loved how the Rescued Food Box program felt like a dignified way to get food. She appreciated that she paid for her food- even though it was much less than what she’d pay at the grocery store- and she could voice her food choices.
Mara says the food provided through other programs is often canned and dried goods. “You simply get the food you’re given, there is no choice.” But with the Rescued Food Box program, Food Stash sends fresh produce, dairy and protein. We honour members’ dietary restrictions and do our best to provide alternatives.
Mara remains on the program today and emphasizes how kind the Rescued Food Box drivers are:
“When I've gone through periods where I’m more housebound and sick, having the volunteer driver come by once a week and chatting a bit, that’s really nice. That’s been a highlight of the Food Stash experience.”
More Than Just Food
A lot has happened for Mara between now and when we first met her back in 2018. There were many trips to the hospital, two surgeries, the loss of all her possessions and- despite her best efforts to keep her home- Mara ultimately became homeless, forced to jump between temporary addresses.
But, as of October of this year, Mara finally has a permanent place to call home, and the Rescued Food Box program is enabling her to furnish that home, freeing up funds to buy pots and pans, furniture and other essentials.
Surprisingly, when asked what her biggest accomplishment has been since joining the Food Stash community, Mara doesn’t say ‘permanent housing;’ it’s what having a home and access to food has enabled her to do that she’s particularly proud of. Mara now advocates for others experiencing homelessness. She uses her own experience to educate the public around what it feels like to be homeless. She asks questions and reports on topics not typically associated with homelessness.
Mara says that not having your basic needs met- like housing and food- is “like having a lion chasing you.” You can’t think about anything other than the lion, or feel anything other than panic. Having these needs met is like escaping the lion:
“Your life opens up. What you can see and experience opens up.”
You Can Help More People Like Mara
When Mara joined our program in 2018, she didn’t have to wait long before receiving her first delivery of healthy food. Today, however, the program is at capacity. Our waitlist grows every day, and we have received over 40 applications this past month alone. We currently serve over 100 Rescued Food Box members across Vancouver - and with your help, we’d like to serve more!