UNITED for food security – creating health and building friendships
87-year-old Arlene and 69-year-old Barry are among the over 1 million British Columbians – many of whom are seniors – struggling to afford groceries. And, in 2025, it will get even harder with the average Canadian household paying $800 more for groceries than they did last year. Those on fixed or limited incomes end up eating less, skipping meals, and seeking food support.
For many of our fellow British Columbians, United Way BC Food Hubs provide healthy, nutritious food, and other supports benefiting health and wellness.
Arlene’s story
By the time Arlene reached middle age, she had raised two children and had been divorced twice. With the COVID pandemic, then 82-year-old Arlene, an actress, was particularly hard hit.
“Everything in my life stopped. All my activities, all my sources of income, everything. So that was a struggle,” Arlene says. “I’m a smiler…Everybody thinks my world was A-Okay. It wasn’t A-Okay, but that was how I coped. Nobody really knew how frustrated I was or how angry or disappointed or whatever.”
“I’d go to the store, and I’d look at the price of just some carrots, and I’m thinking that’s ridiculous. Four carrots for six bucks?!”
Access to food is not equal across BC and is more challenging for people who live in rural and remote areas, newcomers, people of colour, seniors, people with disabilities, and single-parent families.
Luckily, Arlene discovered the weekly free food hamper and community-supported agriculture programs at the United Way BC Collingwood-Renfrew Regional Community Food Hub at Collingwood Neighbourhood House.
“They had this program for seniors with low income, and by this time I’m not working and living on Canada pension, so I thought this will help me because I realized I wasn’t eating properly,” Arlene says. Along with fresh, nutritious food, Arlene also found community.
“When I come on Thursdays, I get all my hugs…the volunteers are getting to know me and really greet me like a long-lost friend. So, I find it’s good for me as well, just to come and have this connection with people. Food for my tummy and food for my soul.”
Barry’s story
For Barry, a serious heart condition changed the trajectory of his life and meant he had to go onto a disability income. Through volunteering at the United BC Food Hub for almost two decades, Barry has been able to share his passion for cooking food as well as benefiting from food programming.
“It’s a big help when you’re on disability, your income is very low. When I did the Community Kitchen, it was nice because I made food for everybody, but I also got to eat too. Did I work a lot for it, sure? But I got to eat. So, it was another meal you don’t have to worry about, and it all helps…it’s a struggle when you’re on disability.”
Like Arlene, the connections to people and community keep Barry healthy and upbeat.
“I’m just really glad I’ve met so many different people here, and I have so many friends,” Barry says. “I volunteer, but I’ve gotten so much more back.”
UNITED for fuller plates
In 2024-25, United Way BC Food Hubs ensured 4.6 million meals and hampers were delivered to over 314, 000 individuals and families in need across BC. But the need is great and growing.
United Way BC Food Hubs work collaboratively with other local organizations to not only provide essentials like groceries, food hampers, and prepared meals, but also food literacy, wellness programming, and other vital wrap-around services. Your gift means people in your community like Arlene and Barry have access to food, friendship, and support – not just today, but in the months ahead. Let’s put heathy, nutritious food on more tables. Please give generously.