Poverty is complex. Helping isn’t.
There is no city more generous in supporting neighbours in need than Hamilton, and never was this generosity more apparent than when the pandemic sent overwhelming waves of support from every corner of this city to ensure no one went hungry during the toughest of times. The response to the families experiencing food insecurity in Hamilton over the past year highlighted for Hamilton Food Share that we are truly working TOGETHER towards a hunger-free community.
For one in every five households living in Hamilton, hunger is a daily reality. People living in poverty are one paycheque away, one illness away, one unexpected expense away from crossing a threshold of a food bank. The COVID-19 pandemic put a public focus on hunger that we have never before experienced. The struggles faced by food insecure families were front and centre. Governments on every level were talking about and responding to hunger in our cities, our province, our country. However, for so many families in our city, hunger was not a result of COVID. It is a condition that they face every day. With the holiday season upon us, hunger must remain top of mind for every Hamiltonian. Celebrating the holidays has always been a challenge for our neighbours in need. Christmas has always been a season to share our most treasured beliefs, beliefs about the importance of time with family and friends immersed in the spirit if giving. However, for many households in our city, Christmas comes with it the added worry of heating bills and needed winter clothing, gifts under the tree and food on the table. While Hamilton Food Share remains committed to working toward a hunger-free community, we see the needs of vulnerable families only increasing, especially during the holidays.
You can help.
Our city of Hamilton has always embodied the tradition of helping our neighbours who are struggling. The generosity of our city during the holidays and throughout the year has enabled 23 local emergency food programs to deliver our city’s goodwill as food on the table that will nourish hurting families across our community. While some traditions may look different again this year, we know the time-honoured tradition of creating the opportunity for all Hamiltonians to celebrate the holiday will continue. It matters now more than ever. Hamilton Food Share invites you to join us in sustaining a network of giving across Hamilton this holiday season that will respond to the over 9,000 households we know will reach out for help for a Christmas food support this holiday season.
For information, please visit our website at www.hamiltonfoodshare.org.