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Katie’s Story
Katie didn’t choose a life of hunger and heartache, but sometimes hard times happen.
The stress of food insecurity is a day-to-day battle for Katie. Katie often goes without, so she can feed her kids. It shouldn’t have to be this way. But Katie says that as a single mum with the rising cost of living, this is just what you have to do.
I know you will agree with me that this should not be happening in our lucky country.
Will you help us feed a struggling family like Katie’s this Winter?
Dear Neighbour,
This is hard for me to write, especially opening up about my family’s struggles.
I’ve always believed it’s my responsibility to make sure my kids are fed and looked after – no one else’s. But over the last year, I’ve had to swallow my pride and accept help.
I do feel embarrassed that we haven’t been able to afford a basic shop and that I’ve needed help but I now also know I am not alone in my struggles.
Everyone wants the best for their kids, and when you can’t make ends meet or put a proper meal on the table you feel like you are failing as a parent.
Even though it’s hard to share, I’m telling you my story today because I know that there are families just like us who haven’t had help yet. These are families I’ve met myself.
As a working mum of three young kids trying to keep up with bills, rent, the rising cost of living and my children’s medical issues, I have had days where I have struggled with depression as everything in my life has overwhelmed me.
On the hard days when I struggle to get up in the morning I remember that people need me, my kids need me. I have to keep going because of my kids. They always come first.
Sometimes we simply have not had enough money for the bare essentials, it’s meant that I am just having toast for dinner or skipping meals so that they could have what little we have to eat. My son doesn’t always understand why some kids get a full lunchbox and theirs is sometimes a little empty.
It’s why when I was told about Foodbank, I couldn’t quite believe it. To be able to shop for myself in the Food Hub and fill a bag with food was unbelievable. I know I can take more, but there’s so many people out there who need help, so I only take what our family absolutely needs.
I want to thank you for your help. I know how hard it is to ask for help, but I also now know what it means to receive it. What it means to my kids, to me, to be able to have a proper meal. Your support is giving families like mine the chance to feel normal.
I don’t think kids should ever have to worry about money, or bills, or what they are going to eat. They should just feel safe and loved.
Thank you for helping me and my family in our time of need.
Katie x