Vinnie’s Peterborough & My Experience Using A Foodbank

I feel very fortunate to share stories that will hopefully truly make a difference. This was a very emotional and surreal experience. Please watch and share and most importantly, shop at St. Vincent De Paul Store Peterborough, you could literally change someone’s life.

Thrift shopping is cool.  It’s fun and exciting and honestly it’s trendy and hip to vintage shop!

When I learned that 100% of the profits from Vinnie’s stores stays in the community I was surprised and impressed.  St, Vincent De Paul is an international organization but each location and community store is independently managed.  All of the profits from each location stays in the respective community.   In Peterborough ON, Vinnie’s is a great example of how vintage shopping can make a huge difference in someone’s life.

I didn’t know until I shot this video blog, that 100% of the profits from Vinnie’s store goes to support the local food pantry.  By shopping at Vinnie’s you are helping those who need it most and you are feeding hungry children and families.

I had the experience to visit the food pantry on Murray St in Peterborough ON, and I experienced the stress of having to use a food bank.  I played out the scenario as a mom of three with a husband who needed to use the food bank to feed my family.  I was given the maximum number of points which is 50, to shop for my family.  I was floored at how stressful and humbling the experience was.  Sue Mazziotti-Armitage,  client care coordinator of the food bank,  had to remind me numerous times, that I was using my “nutrition brain and not my survival brain”.  I truly believe every high school student should experience shopping at a food bank.  The experience increased my empathy for others and a true gratitude for what my family has.

The food pantry is always looking for donations.  Household items like toothpaste, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, diapers, deodorant, shampoo, laundry detergent, things many of us take for granted are always in high demand. You can also donate your time, like the some 134 volunteers who make the ship run, or you can make a monetary donation.

One of the volunteers I spoke with off camera gave me such a powerful answer when I asked her why she chose to donate her time to St Vincent De Paul Food Pantry when there are so many orangiztions and non profits who need volunteers, Lorraine simply said:

“Food is a basic need.  We all need to eat.  Let’s get these people fed.  They have so many other stressors in life, paying the rent, the hydro etc, at least with our help they can manage those stressors with food in their bellies.”

Please watch the video and share this post, almost everyone needs a hand up in their life at some point, and no one can predict if one day it might be you who needs the services of the St Vincent De Paul food pantry.

One of the many qualities I love about Vinnie’s Food Pantry is their approach their clients.  They don’t tell people how to shop, they simply support them and don’t judge. Those who use the food bank, NEVER have to wait outside.  Sue Mazziotti-Armitage, was adamant that no one would ever be seen waiting outside in a humilating line. The food bank offers a clean waiting area for clients.  The intake process is more involved than just how much food you need.  The volunteers who help these people, are also a much needed listening ear.  They build relationships and trust with these people, without passing judgement.

Thank you for taking the time to read and watch this blog and vlog and thank you to Vinnie’s Peterborough for offering such an important service to so many people. NOW GET SHOPPING;)