[Sundaycommunity] Poverty in our midst

[Patricia Smiley]

Hi,all,

Those of you who know me best are aware that my regular income has been
ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) for a number of years.  During
this time, I have been actively involved in many anti-poverty efforts over
these years.  I am trying to make connections here in Hamilton with local
groups but this hasn't been easy during the pandemic.  However, online I
continue to do what I can.  Today I have been reading two reports that come
out annually, one from Toronto's Daily Bread Food Bank and the second from
Feed Ontario.  The pandemic has left many of our neighbours living in
desperate poverty, revealed by the numbers of those who are going to food
banks.  If you can, please inform yourselves:  Daily Bread (Toronto):
https://www.dailybread.ca/research-and-advocacy/whos-hungry-report-2020/
And for those who live outside Toronto, Feed Ontario:
https://feedontario.ca/research/hunger-report-2021/#newmode-embed-23941-43486

I am also asking those of you who can afford it to make a donation to the
ongoing work of your local food banks.  Honestly, the best way to do this
is to donate money, and make it clear that this is for the purchase of
food.  Food banks do benefit from the collections at churches, etc.  but I
think that it is good for them to have money with which they can make bulk
purchases.

We have all likely noticed the rising prices of the ordinary things we buy
at our local supermarkets.  I couldn't believe what the cost was of the pot
of beef stew I made for the anniversary dinner I had last Sunday with
Rachel and Leo.  Beef has become increasingly expensive in my lifetime (was
there a time when every Sunday dinner was roast beef?) but this also
applies to everyday items like a bag of carrots or lentils or a carton of
milk.

(And, I have a cosy and warm home and a fully stocked pantry and fridge,
warm clothes for those times when I do go out past my front porch.  The
lack of accessibility to the house is not an issue of money but of finding
the parts.)

Much love to all, wishing you peace, Pat



*Patricia Smiley*

*email:  smileypatricia76 at gmail.com <smileypatricia76 at gmail.com>*

*mobile:  647-517-1599*
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