Clearing up a PHC Food Bank misconception

Dec 3, 2025 | News, Sounder News (article)

WRITER: Tami Smith, Food Program Coordinator People for a Healthy Community

I am writing to clarify a common misconception about Food Banks.

During a recent vaccine appointment, the nurse made friendly small talk while preparing the injection. She asked what I do for a living, and I proudly replied that I run the Weekly Food Program—also known as the food bank—at People for a Healthy Community (PHC). Her immediate response was, “Oh, I feel so bad for those people. I see them all the time with their shopping carts and all their belongings.”

In that moment, I realized just how misunderstood our community members truly are. I’ve often heard comments like, “Why don’t they just get a job?” or “If they didn’t do drugs, they’d be fine.” If you’ll allow me, I’d like to explain what’s wrong with those blanket assumptions.

Before I get to the numbers, let me share a brief story. We recently welcomed a new participant. When I register someone, I take the time to learn a bit about their circumstances. This woman had been a successful professional with a small farm—she was doing everything right, living what many would call the dream. Then both her parents became ill. She stepped away from her career to care for them for more than five years. After they passed, she found herself alone. Her mortgage term was up, she had been without income for half a decade, and we can all imagine what the bank told her.

She did everything right—let me say that again: she did everything right—and yet life brought her to us.

Now for the math—real numbers that represent real people.

PHC currently has over 400 participants registered with us. Only a very small percentage of them are unsheltered on Gabriola. Truly, a tiny fraction.

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So who uses our food bank?

Seniors. People on disability. Families. And the working poor.

A full-time minimum-wage monthly expenses

Monthly Income after taxes: $2410

Rent: $2000

Hydro: $75

Phone: $80

Car Insurance: $100

Gas to get to work: $100

Left Over: $60

This bare-bones estimate doesn’t include a car payment, home insurance, repairs, childcare, medical expenses—nothing extra. And notice the biggest missing line item. Yes, you guessed it: Food.

A single adult typically spends $400–$500 per month on groceries. Now imagine being a single parent working full time with one or more children.

Let’s not forget about our seniors.

A typical monthly income might include:

CPP: $850

OAS: $750

Guaranteed Income Supplement: $266

Total Income: $1,866

*These numbers vary depending on their circumstances.

A recent survey found that many seniors will pay their bills before they eat. And remember: many seniors—especially women—spent decades as stay-at-home parents, meaning they receive very little or sometimes no CPP at all.

To be even more dreary, those living with physical or mental health disabilities receive a monthly income of just $1,483.50. Try making that math work—I can’t even imagine how stressful and challenging that must be.

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As you can see, our community members come from every age group, every background, and every life circumstance. They are not “those people.”

They are our neighbours—hard-working individuals, retired residents, parents, caregivers—trying to feed their families while keeping a roof over their heads.

Thank you for your time. I hope this helps clear up some misconceptions. I am always happy to talk and to listen. You can find me at People for a Healthy Community on North Road.