Sign to help moms like Erin access food with dignity and a place to belong

Erin* had just given birth to her second daughter when things started to go badly. As a single mom without a lot of support, she spent most of her days at home caring for the girls on her own. She was isolated, and suffering from postpartum depression. Some days she struggled to put good food on the table.

A public health nurse suggested she go to her local Community Food Centre. But Erin hesitated. She was anxious, and ashamed to ask for help. The thought of walking through the doors made her feel nervous and exposed.

But she went, and her fears quickly disappeared. Because what she found at the Community Food Centre weren't line-ups and judgement. Instead, she found fresh healthy food, welcoming people, opportunities to contribute, and a place where she and her girls felt they belonged.

Erin is just one of millions of Canadians who live below the poverty line and are isolated because can't afford to participate in society the way many of us take for granted.

Everyone deserves to be able to access healthy food with dignity. Everyone deserves to feel valued, and have a place where they belong.

Social isolation is as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, increasing the risk of heart disease, depression, dementia and early death.

Coming together over good food can not only build connection, it can also build health, and empowerment too.

Thousands of people like Erin are less alone and have better access to good food thanks to their Community Food Centre. But too many more are still struggling. Together, we can change the story.

Pledge your support today and help more Canadians access good food with dignity.

*A pseudonym has been used to protect the subject's privacy.