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

Hello, my name is Onyx. I want to share how my experience with food instability has impacted me and affected my daily life.  

As a youth who is struggling to find a stable job and stable income in Strathcona County, it has been tough living day to day without stressing about having enough money to afford my monthly expenses. Being a foster kid who was born into the system and aged out of the system, I wasn’t taught how to budget or shop for food, there was no one there to teach me those skills.

I want other young youth/adults to know that you have a voice in every situation, even if it’s small. One small action can account to something greater in the end. I bring attention to things that need to be changed, and throughout my life I have fought for it. This led me into a mindset that if no one will change, then I will. So, I asked for help to learn basic skills and life skills I would need for the future and received it. It wasn’t easy to ask, I had to choose the right people who I trusted, and who could help me.  

Programs in the County have made it easier for me to navigate these stresses. For example, I can grab a Hot Meal at a cooking class at the BGC CanTeen Youth Hub, I know that I can shop cheaper on certain days at grocery stores, and youth advocacy groups like Strathcona NextGen can help me voice my concerns to make Strathcona County better for young people. I’m looking into ways I can learn about more food security options in the community.  

I believe if we gather as a community and reach out to one another we can get the support we need. I know for a fact that I am not alone in this struggle, and I want this message to inform others and begin change so I, and you, can thrive better in this economy.