Community Spotlight: Justyna
What it means to get free food
Meet Justyna, a dedicated mother of four and a proud public servant with a Master’s degree in Education. Her family has been living in the Don Mills community since 2007. In 2014, Justyna’s life took an unexpected turn. While pregnant with her third child, she fell seriously ill, and around the same time, her husband suffered a brain injury. Suddenly, Justyna found herself in a position she never imagined—needing extra help to care for her family.
Admitting she needed assistance was difficult. But as a full-time caregiver for her sick husband and four children, and unable to work herself, Justyna realized she had to lean on her community. And so she turned to the Community Share Food Bank (CSFB).
"I remember the first time I went to the food bank. I was in line and started to cry. I felt really sad about how my life had turned out. I have an education, but I can't use it now. When you become disabled, your life changes. You go through a mourning process."
But for ten years, the food bank has provided Justyna’s family with essential groceries like carrots, onions, potatoes, rice, and pasta, reducing her weekly grocery bill and easing her financial burdens. Now, she acknowledges her feelings about using the food bank have changed: “That feeling of shame when you have to admit you can’t pay for the food has diminished. The people at CSFB try so hard to make everyone feel like they belong.”
Despite the ongoing challenges and isolation of being a full-time caregiver, the food bank has given Justyna a community of her own and the strength to keep going. "The food bank is the thing I look forward to breaking up the time - the bright spot in my week, a break from routine, being greeted with my first name," Justyna shares.
Like many families in our neighbourhood, the COVID-19 pandemic brought additional stress to Justyna’s life. Virtual schooling and lack of peer interaction took a toll on her children’s mental health, and social isolation was hard to witness. Shortly after lockdown, her eldest daughter was diagnosed with an eating disorder and required hospitalization. Though she’s now on the mend, Justyna remains vigilant about her children’s wellbeing. Balancing these concerns adds to the mental gymnastics she navigates daily to keep her family happy and safe, but it’s a heavy load.
"I don't socialize much and I don't have too many friends; it's been a hard time. But on Wednesdays, I put makeup on, and sometimes the volunteers notice and say, 'You look pretty today.' It's my excuse to pamper myself, instead of worrying about medical appointments and caregiving. They've been a lifeline for me."
Your support means the food bank remains a cornerstone of the Don Mills community, open and free for people who need a friendly hello and a helping hand.
To donors, Justyna shares her gratitude: “Thank you for helping me feed my kids when I’m not able to do it right now.”
🧡 Your generosity provides food, hope, and community. As we continue to navigate these challenging times, the need for our services remains high, with more families like Justyna's turning to us for support.
What it means to get free food
Meet Justyna, a dedicated mother of four and a proud public servant with a Master’s degree in Education. Her family has been living in the Don Mills community since 2007. In 2014, Justyna’s life took an unexpected turn. While pregnant with her third child, she fell seriously ill, and around the same time, her husband suffered a brain injury. Suddenly, Justyna found herself in a position she never imagined—needing extra help to care for her family.
Admitting she needed assistance was difficult. But as a full-time caregiver for her sick husband and four children, and unable to work herself, Justyna realized she had to lean on her community. And so she turned to the Community Share Food Bank (CSFB).
"I remember the first time I went to the food bank. I was in line and started to cry. I felt really sad about how my life had turned out. I have an education, but I can't use it now. When you become disabled, your life changes. You go through a mourning process."
But for ten years, the food bank has provided Justyna’s family with essential groceries like carrots, onions, potatoes, rice, and pasta, reducing her weekly grocery bill and easing her financial burdens. Now, she acknowledges her feelings about using the food bank have changed: “That feeling of shame when you have to admit you can’t pay for the food has diminished. The people at CSFB try so hard to make everyone feel like they belong.”
Despite the ongoing challenges and isolation of being a full-time caregiver, the food bank has given Justyna a community of her own and the strength to keep going. "The food bank is the thing I look forward to breaking up the time - the bright spot in my week, a break from routine, being greeted with my first name," Justyna shares.
Like many families in our neighbourhood, the COVID-19 pandemic brought additional stress to Justyna’s life. Virtual schooling and lack of peer interaction took a toll on her children’s mental health, and social isolation was hard to witness. Shortly after lockdown, her eldest daughter was diagnosed with an eating disorder and required hospitalization. Though she’s now on the mend, Justyna remains vigilant about her children’s wellbeing. Balancing these concerns adds to the mental gymnastics she navigates daily to keep her family happy and safe, but it’s a heavy load.
"I don't socialize much and I don't have too many friends; it's been a hard time. But on Wednesdays, I put makeup on, and sometimes the volunteers notice and say, 'You look pretty today.' It's my excuse to pamper myself, instead of worrying about medical appointments and caregiving. They've been a lifeline for me."
Your support means the food bank remains a cornerstone of the Don Mills community, open and free for people who need a friendly hello and a helping hand.
To donors, Justyna shares her gratitude: “Thank you for helping me feed my kids when I’m not able to do it right now.”
🧡 Your generosity provides food, hope, and community. As we continue to navigate these challenging times, the need for our services remains high, with more families like Justyna's turning to us for support.
Life can throw unexpected challenges our way. CSFB acts as a safety net, supporting those facing temporary financial difficulties or unforeseen emergencies.
👉 Donate Now! Together, let's continue to build a stronger, more resilient society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
👉 Donate Now! Together, let's continue to build a stronger, more resilient society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.