Anastasiia Honcharova has had to tap into community resources as she builds a life in Canada as a Ukrainian refugee.
She moved to Newmarket two years ago to live with extended family, who suggested she attend the Newmarket Food Pantry while she tries to earn an income to make ends meet.
“I have relatives here in Newmarket,” said Honcharova. “I am grateful for their help. I stayed with them for two months and they introduced me to the food bank. We don’t have that in Ukraine. I had a job back home, but my home was in ruins.”
Honcharova has noticed more Ukrainians in Canada seeking peace in our country. She said they had nothing, like herself, trying to establish a new life here.
“They come here because they have no other choice,” said Honcharova. “They collected all of their belongings in two little bags and they came to seek refuge and a safe place. The same happened to me. I was in Ukraine two years ago and when the war started, it was dangerous, so I collected my stuff and left for Canada.”
According to a report by Food Banks Canada, it's estimated about one in four Canadians are living at a poverty level living standard, while Statistics Canada states the national poverty rate is 10 per cent.
“This statistic is alarming and very worrisome for society moving forward,” said Adrian Bain, executive director of the Newmarket Food Pantry. “Our food banking network is advocating strongly on behalf of our clients to ensure a better path forward. A few main areas of concern include rebuilding a broken social safety net, and better support for workers with low incomes.”
Honcharova lived in Kyiv when the Russian invasion began, and she worries about her family who remain in Ukraine as the war continues.
“The city where my dad lives with his family; he also has a newborn baby, was attacked and the shopping mall was hit by a bomb," said Honcharova.
“I texted my father to ask how he was doing and he said they (had been) planning to go there to buy a mattress but (luckily) they didn’t.”
She has found work in Newmarket and she transfers money to help her family.
“I found two jobs and I rented my first place and I went to the food bank and discovered they cared about us,” she said. “They didn’t ask for anything in response. They were there for us.”
Researchers for Food Bank Canada introduced a material deprivation index (MDI) with Canadian data. The metric is widely used in Europe to measure a poverty level standard of living. According to the metrics utilized in the report, 30 per cent of Canadians 18 to 30 years old, 44.5 per cent of single-parent families, and 42 per cent of renters experience a poverty-level standard of living. They cannot afford two or more household essentials.
"A better understanding of poverty is critical to accurately track our progress in reducing economic distress among households in Canada," said Kirstin Beardsley, chief executive officer of Food Banks Canada. "Adopting an MDI in Canada could improve our understanding of the extent and nature of poverty and help explain the gaps we're seeing between real-life demand at food banks and the current official poverty rate. We ask that the Canadian government incorporate an MDI into their official poverty reduction strategy as part of the indicator portfolio to assess levels of poverty in Canada."
Bain has seen more people accessing the food pantry for assistance. They all come from different demographics and socio-economic backgrounds.
“In February 2024, we had the busiest month on record for food bank visits,” said Bain. “Then March surpassed February, then April, and now May has become the busiest month ever on record. One in six food bank users are employed and roughly 14 per cent receive provincial disability support.”
Food Banks Canada reports similar data. It states that 55.5 per cent of respondents are unemployed and looking for work, 55.4 per cent receive government funding as their main source of income, 34.4 per cent are Black, 37.4 per cent are Indigenous and 37 per cent live with a disability.
Bain has heard feedback from clients concerned about the rising costs of food, housing, and goods and services driving more people to the food pantry.
“This is coupled with many other factors on a more situational and personal level, including unemployment, low wages, or underemployment, sudden crisis, and other debt and financial obligations,” said Bain.
Staff at the Newmarket Food Pantry will continue to monitor trends and demand for services. They, however, are preparing for an increase of new clients with the help of agency partners.
“We consistently keep a close eye on trends and are constantly monitoring the demand for our services,” said Bain. “From what we can glean, our numbers will unfortunately continue to rise. Fortunately, we have incredible community partners, whether it’s local grocery stores, local businesses, or individual donors, that understand the importance of feeding our neighbours in need, and will continue to be there to ensure no one in our community goes to bed hungry.”
