During this most special time of year, the spirit of Christmas is everywhere.
As we gather together, we give thanks for family, friends and colleagues, and the grace, peace and joy that Christmas brings. For many of us, we also give thanks and celebrate the birth of Christ, whose life provides a light for humankind, and whose example reminds us to lend a hand to those in need.
We can all do our part. There are many in our communities who need our help now more than ever. One way to get involved is to support our local food banks – and not just now, but throughout the year.
Since the economic slump took hold in late 2008, demand on our food banks has increased dramatically. To illustrate the need, food banks have had to get the word out. Halton Community Legal Services recently urged me to participate in the “donated diet challenge.” For three days, this meant I would eat only what a food bank client would eat.
When I opened the package that I’d been given, I was surprised that while it included spaghetti sauce, there was no pasta. There was a single pack of tea, but no coffee (I normally drink coffee by the gallon). There was a can of baked beans, but no rice. There was a sad looking muffin, but no bread.
I have to admit that when the Legislature is in session, my meals don’t exactly conform to the Canada Food Guide. I often work through the lunch hour, and make my dinner when I’m done for the day – sometimes 9pm or even later. These eating habits are, I realize, far from ideal.
While my donated diet didn’t allow me much choice, I tried to make the best of it. Unable to snack through the day, I often felt hungry, which actually made the food I was given taste better. Still, I had moments feeling a bit light-headed, necessitating a quick walk outside and some fresh air.
Given a choice, I would prefer not to have to live on the donated diet for any length of time. But many in our community, of course, do not have a choice. That’s the whole point. Children still go to bed hungry; they still go to school hungry. There are people who, for whatever reason, are unable to provide for themselves. They get by however they can, and often without a nutritious meal.
This is why our food banks are still needed and it’s why their work is so important. Poverty is a community challenge requiring a community response. Government must respond as well, recognizing the necessity of its role: the need for income and housing supports, and the kind of education and job training that end the cycle of poverty and lift people up to the path of independence and dignity.
That should be our goal – not just at Christmas time, but throughout the year and in the decade ahead.
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas, and a safe, health and Happy New Year.
Arnott welcomes your comments. He can be reached at 1-800-265-2366. His website is www.tedarnottmpp.com.