Maria Pagliuca, a 67-year-old retiree living in Pointe-Claire on Montreal’s West Island, never imagined she would have to rely on a food bank to get by after putting money aside for retirement. Despite collecting a modest pension of $1,200 a month, Pagliuca still struggles to cover her housing needs, falling short by $500 for rent. She has had to dip into her RRSPs to make ends meet, but a significant portion of that money is being taxed. While grateful for the support she receives from the West Island Mission’s food bank, Pagliuca still faces challenges due to dietary restrictions and fluctuating food prices at grocery stores, which often lead to sticker shock.
The West Island Mission has seen a significant increase in single-income households seeking assistance, with seniors making up 50 percent of new clients. Suzanne Scarrow, the organization’s executive director, notes the heart-wrenching reality of seeing more seniors, who have always managed to budget and make ends meet, now turning to food banks for help. Inflation and high interest rates have led to higher rent and food prices, putting additional financial pressure on seniors living on fixed incomes. The stress of managing limited resources has taken a toll on the physical and mental health of seniors, many of whom are struggling to afford basic necessities like food and shelter.
Scarrow highlights the strain that this increased demand has put on community resources like the West Island Mission, which now finds itself at a breaking point. Before the pandemic, the food bank never had a waiting list, but now they are facing difficult choices about what items to offer on their shelves and to whom. Scarrow emphasizes the need for a larger space to accommodate the growing number of clients and provide additional services like cooking classes and a café for seniors to socialize and receive mental health support. She urges governments to address the root causes of poverty, including food security, housing, and mental health, instead of adopting a piecemeal approach to social issues.
Pagliuca’s experience is reflective of a larger trend of seniors across Montreal turning to food banks for assistance. Many elderly individuals who have worked hard their entire lives find themselves struggling to make ends meet with limited pensions and rising costs of living. The emotional and physical toll of financial insecurity is exacerbated by health issues and the stress of managing limited resources. Community organizations like the West Island Mission play a crucial role in providing support and resources to seniors in need, but they are facing challenges in meeting the increased demand for services.
Scarrow emphasizes the importance of taking a holistic approach to addressing poverty and inequality, recognizing that issues like food security, housing, and mental health are interconnected and must be addressed in a comprehensive manner. The West Island Mission is working towards expanding its services and improving its facilities to better serve the community, but these changes require time and investment. As more seniors and vulnerable populations turn to food banks for assistance, it is crucial for governments and society as a whole to prioritize addressing the root causes of poverty and ensuring that all individuals have access to the resources they need to live dignified and healthy lives.
