This story was provided by the Strathcona Food Bank as part of the Food Finder Strathcona campaign brought to you by Strathcona County's Food Security Action Table. 

Research shows that 4 out of 5 people who are food insecure will not access a food bank. Some reasons for this are pride, shame and embarrassment. Another major reason for this is stigma. At the Strathcona Food Bank we try to reduce that stigma. We provide a warm, welcoming and safe environment for people to access their groceries. Another way we try to reduce stigma is to be non-judgemental and respectful of a client’s unique needs. We offer products that address dietary and cultural preferences. If a client is celiac we offer gluten free items; if they are Islamic, we provide Halal foods when possible or if they are vegetarian we have those options too.  

Reducing stigma also means meeting clients where they are at. Strathcona Food Bank has worked with several social service agencies in Strathcona County to create mini-pantries. In partnership with Family and Community Services we have created a community cupboard right in the FCS main office. This means when individuals go to FCS for a meeting with a Solutions Navigator, they can also access the pantry for a few food items. We know people are experiencing a multitude of complexities. This one-stop shop addresses several of these issues. It means clients don’t need to tell their stories more than once, show their ID more than once, or drive to more than one destination.  

Currently there are mini-pantries at Family and Community Services, Saffron society, Family Resource Network, the Primary Care Network and at the Ardrossan Recreation Complex.  

As a client recently said “The mini-pantry at FCS has been a life-saver. I can bring my kids to the play area, chat with a Navigator, and pick up a few groceries all at the same time. I’m working on getting some ID and I’m grateful not to have to go to too many places. It becomes exhausting after a while. At first I didn’t know [the mini-pantry] existed, but now I come regularly. Maybe someday I’ll work up to courage to go to the food bank, but for now, this is what I need and what I’m comfortable with.”