08/06/2026
FOOD FOR THE SOUL
“It’s a community at the Canton Food Bank. One way or the other, for different circumstances, we are all in the same boat at this moment."
-Working Canton Mom & Canton Food Bank Client
This sense of fellowship and overcoming the feeling of shame, to provide for her extended family, inspired this Canton Mom to accept the support offered at Canton Food Bank (CFB). She is part of CFB’s growing outreach to so-called ‘ALICE’ (Asset Limited Income Constrained, Employed), families, who find themselves especially vulnerable to rising prices on food and other basic needs.
CFB’s approach to meeting these needs, through their ‘Fresh Food Initiative,’ is both healthful and holistic. Using a Community Partner Grant from Canton Community Health Fund (CCHF), CFB purchases a variety of fresh vegetables and fruit from Bristol’s Farm Market. And new this year, CFB will offer quality frozen seafood and less processed cheeses to their clients.
CCHF recently sat down with this Canton Mom, who over the course of 17 years raised her children, and now cares for her elderly parents with support from CFB.
Q: In what way has your use of the CFB changed over time?
A: “I came to this country, built a life and a family, then found myself a single mom to children aged 2 to 12 years old. While pursuing an education and working to support my family, CFB made a real difference in the variety of healthier meals I’ve been able to prepare for my children, as well as the senior members of our extended family."
“My parents were so important to supporting me when my kids were young. They cooked for my kids, transported them and created a safe environment. Now that the kids are grown, and my parents are older and facing health challenges, it’s my opportunity to provide them with the most healthful meals to support them.”
“In the past, the CFB offered mostly canned food as the main meal option. Today, food options focus on fresh vegetables, fruits and healthier choices in canned vegetables, seafood, meat and dairy products."
Q: Are there other ways that CFB provided support for your family?
A: Everyday basic household items, from toothpaste, to detergent to toilet tissue are typically not covered with SNAP benefits. Having CFB as a resource, as part of our weekly financial budget plan, makes purchasing these essential items possible for many families. You have the extra money to purchase these things.”
Q: What do you believe is the greatest barrier to overcome, to seeking support from CFB?
A: “It was and continues to be a challenge to get over the feeling of shame. Shame that you need help feeding your family. Shame that you are working hard at a good job, but still are unable to provide the healthy basics to your family. CFB provides a helpful, welcoming, generous place when your family needs support. And, there’s no shame in that.”
CFB Director Jennifer Herbek: “CFB is a financial planning resource when times get tough and families have to reconsider the best use of their budgets to keep their family feed, healthy and moving forward in a positive manner. Canton families can reach out to us at [email protected]."
Your donation to Canton Community Health Fund helps us to continue supporting Canton Food Bank as well as the health, safety and well-being of our entire Canton community. Contributions can be made via mail at P.O. Box 75, Collinsville, CT 06022 or through PayPal at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org. We thank you!
