Support Community Food Centres Canada and Help Canadians like Carolyn

Carolyn grew up in a house full of kids in Sydney, Nova Scotia, in a house where the kitchen was always bursting with delicious smells, on a street where everyone knew her name.

But at 62, Carolyn found herself out of work, living on social assistance in a small apartment in Halifax, isolated and not sure how she'd afford her next meal.

That's a reality facing more than four million Canadians like Carolyn. For most of us, food is a source of joy, pleasure, and connection. But when you can't afford to put food on the table, the thought of food doesn't bring pleasure — it brings stress, anxiety, and despair. It also brings serious health problems. Many people don't ask for help because they're too ashamed. But it doesn't have to be that way.

Carolyn is in a better place now, and it started when she walked into her Community Food Centre. She went because she heard there were free meals — and they were good. She never expected to feel as welcome as she did. She came back the next day, and the day after that. Then she joined a cooking program. Now she volunteers, too. "Pitching in makes me feel good," she says. "When I was home alone, it was like I was in a shell. Now I have more energy. And I feel more open about myself."

Thousands of people like Carolyn 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.