Meet Sue

I never thought I’d have to choose between putting food on the table or visiting my granddaughter

Imagine if you suddenly lost your income due to an unexpected medical issue? For Sue, it was breast cancer that stopped her working. Sue was a nurse for over 30 years and helping people is just a part of who she is. When Sue was 68, a battle with breast cancer forced her into retirement.

All too quickly, Sue found herself down to her last $50. Food was no longer a given, instead, a luxury. With both her pantry and petrol tank empty, Sue was forced to make a heartbreaking choice.

“Every week, I had to make the unimaginable choice of whether I would put food on the table or visit my granddaughter, who lives over an hour away.”

Sue’s early and unexpected retirement turned her life upside down.

“I went from being an active person, working night shift as a nurse, to not being able to do anything. I was forced into early retirement, even though I’d intended to keep working for many more years.”

But for Sue, it was the inability to make her own choices that hurt the most.

“The first time it hit me was walking down the main street in my country town. A shop had a lovely little pair of shoes that I knew my granddaughter would love. In the past, I would have gone straight in and bought them without any thought. They were only $15. I remember stopping and suddenly realising I didn’t have the money to do that anymore.”

Dealing with a rumbling stomach seemed like the only choice Sue had. Missing a meal had no immediate consequences. Not paying the electricity bill however, would result in no lighting or heating. Failing to renew the car registration meant that she could not drive. It was only when a friend told Sue about a Foodbank partner pantry nearby, that she no longer had to make this choice – she could have both.

“I could get some help with food every week that just took a little pressure off.  Fresh fruit and vegetables, pantry staples and even meat and fish. At first, I was embarrassed because I’d never had to ask anyone for help before, but then I found out that I am not alone. There are a lot of people in similar situations that find it hard to make ends meet.”

Sadly, at some point each year, over 4 million Australians like Sue are in crisis, dealing with the anguish and despair of not knowing where their next meal is coming from. No one should have to choose between food and family.

We can help, but not without your support.