Demand at Flamborough Food Bank skyrockets as families struggle to pay bills

This year's Make the Season Kind campaign is in support of Hamilton Food Share. Throughout December, CBC Hamilton is taking a look at food insecurity in the region and shining a light on local efforts to help. 

For 17 years, Margaret Bradt has turned to the Flamborough Food Bank when she's in need. 

Without the weekly delivery of pantry staples, Bradt, 69, said, "I could survive, but not very good." 

After her husband died last year, life "got a lot harder," Bradt said. She has to pay her bills with one income instead of two. 

"I miss him every minute of every," she said. "Financially, it's hard but at least I'm not on the streets." 

The Dundas resident said her only income is Old Age Security and after she pays her rent, she's left with $360 a month for all other expenses. 

She said the Flamborough Food Bank and its manager Jim Leamen have provided a safety net. 

"I call him my guardian angel," Bradt said. 

Leamen told CBC Hamilton that demand has skyrocketed in recent years. 

In 2018, about 100 families were signed up to use the food bank, Leamen said. Now, over 900 families are registered, although not all visit every week. 

They're turning to the service largely because of the high cost of living, he said. 

'There's a lot of hope here'

The food bank is run in the back of the Carlisle United Church on Centre Road.

Shelves were neatly stacked with kids snacks, pet food and canned goods and the fridges filled with butter, eggs and milk. Shopping carts were parked at the ready to be filled by volunteers for each user. 

"I love this place," Leamen said. "I very much enjoy interacting with all the people. It keeps be super grounded in life." 

The food bank opens its doors on Wednesdays and it becomes a community gathering spot. 

"There's a lot of hope here," he said.

Linda Smith has been volunteering at the food bank for over a decade, sorting donated items. 

She said there's a common misconception that there's no need for a food bank in the community, but many families are struggling to pay all their bills and buy food. 

"You realize it's a choice and I'm glad to help them with this part of it," Smith said. 

The items the Flamborough Food Banks needs most right now are: 

• Oatmeal
• Canned meat
• Pasta sauce
• Canned chili or stew
• Broth
• Canned or boxed potatoes
• Canned fruit
• Toilet paper 
• Nutritional drinks such as Boost and Ensure