World Food Day: Why I Started Mannahelp And Why You Should Care Too

On this World Food Day, I feel moved to share the deeply personal journey that inspired me to start Mannahelp.

Early Lessons in Giving

Growing up, my mom loved sharing food with our neighbors and those in need. She believed that food was meant to be shared. During festive periods, my grandma would fill glass bowls with delicious meals and ask us to deliver them to the nearby houses. I still remember the warmth and gratitude we received in return, with neighbors offering thanks and prayers. My mom and grandma always believed in doing good without expecting anything in return. These moments were so special, and perhaps they helped prepare me for starting Mannahelp. Even now, I get flashbacks to those childhood days. Gosh, it felt so good to be able to help those in need!

The Impact of the Pandemic

In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I witnessed firsthand the devastating reality of food insecurity in Durham Region, Ontario. So many people, especially those from racialized communities, had lost their jobs and struggled to access even the most basic necessity: food. The pandemic revealed just how fragile many households were, and it became clear to me that food insecurity should never be a barrier to survival, well-being, or the pursuit of one’s dreams.

The Birth of Mannahelp

Inspired by the lessons of giving from my mom and grandmother, and moved by the crisis during the pandemic, I knew it was time to act. Mannahelp was born from a desire to restore dignity and hope to those in need, not just in my local community, but globally. By providing essential resources, from food to hygiene items, we aim to ensure that no one is left behind, and that generosity remains a powerful force for change.

The Urgency of Taking Action

Everyone deserves to thrive without the fear of hunger holding them back. Today, I urge all of us to take action—no matter how small—to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Together, we can ensure that food is never an obstacle to anyone’s success.

A Call to Compassion

The simple act of giving—whether it’s offering a donation at church or lending a hand to a neighbor in need—is more crucial now than ever. This is the time for action. We are united in our shared humanity, and no one should go to bed hungry. It is this core belief that led me to start MannaHelp.

A Mission of Equality: Food Is a Right

Picture above: Mannahelp volunteer sorting fresh produce and other items for distribution to beneficiairies

At Mannahelp, we believe that every human being deserves the dignity of having enough to eat, regardless of their race, background, or circumstances. The fact that people go hungry not just across the world but here in Canada, in our communities, keeps me awake at night. This is why I started MannaHelp. It’s about more than just food—it’s about the belief that no one should be held back from living a fulfilling life due to hunger.

The Urgency of Now: A Growing Need

Picture above: Mannahelp volunteers sorting fresh produce

Under our food distribution program, we provide essential items such as food, clothing, and hygiene products to those in need. However, the need continues to rise. In Durham Region, 1 in 6 households faces food insecurity, as reported by Durham.ca, highlighting the urgent demand for our services.That’s a staggering number of families who face the daily uncertainty of whether they will have enough to eat. And we know that with more resources and space, we could serve even more people.

The Space We Need:

Currently, we operate out of a seminar room in the Durham Corporate Centre, but this space is limited, and there is no storage for food. Without a dedicated location, we are unable to run regular food drives all year round. We need our own space, where families can come twice weekly to pick up food and where we can offer more comprehensive support. This is where you come in.

At Mannahelp, our mission is to create lasting, transformative change in the lives of those we serve. We are committed to not only providing immediate assistance but also empowering individuals and families for the long term. To achieve this, we need a dedicated space where we can store food, offer education on healthy eating, and teach families how to prepare nutritious meals. Additionally, we aim to partner with employment organizations to guide job seekers, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to successfully navigate the job market and secure sustainable opportunities.

How You Can Help: A Call to Action

We are calling on local businesses, organizations, and individuals to join us in this critical mission. Every act of generosity makes a difference, no matter how small. Whether it’s through donations, partnerships, or simply spreading the word, your support can help us ensure that no one in our community goes without food.

Aiding Beyond Food: Supporting Jobs and Stability

We are asking for help from job agencies and businesses. Many of the people we serve are immigrants who are struggling to find stable jobs. By working together, we can not only feed people but also help them find employment and build sustainable futures.

Gratitude for Our Supporters: We Couldn’t Do It Without You

Our work is made possible by the incredible support of donors and volunteers. I want to take this moment to thank all of you. To Tim Kennedy and Lisa Forbes at the Durham Corporate Centre—without your generosity, we wouldn’t be able to serve as many people as we do. To Joel and Kishanth, store managers at Giant Tiger Whitby and Oshawa, your contributions of gift cards, food, hygiene items, and toys have provided crucial support to families in need. To Second Harvest, your grant in March 2022 allowed us to reach even more people when we needed it most. To Penny Appeal Canada, your 2023 Cold Days Warm Hearts grant helped us serve over 500 people with food, winter clothing, and hygiene items during the harshest months.

Special Thanks to Our Donors: Local Businesses and Individuals

I also want to express my gratitude to Margolian Dentistry and Durham Orthodontics for supporting our 2022 youth program. Special thanks to Liz Laflamme, owner of No Frills, for consistently donating food and essentials. And to Costco in Ajax, Oshawa, and Windfields Oshawa, your support over the years has been invaluable.

Thank you to Landmark Whitby, Cineplex Pickering Centre, and Yorkdale Mall for your generous donation of cinema tickets, which have brought smiles to the faces of so many of the families we serve. And Starbucks, your contributions of food items have helped sustain our efforts in a meaningful way.

To Our Individual Donors: You Are Incredible

A special thank you to our individual donors: Anita Quaye, Lydia Stewart, Rachel Arhin, Prasha Aimee, Grace, and Nicole Carbeneigh. Your support has been nothing short of extraordinary. You ladies have come through time and time again, ensuring that families struggling to feed themselves are taken care of.

Honoring Our Volunteers: The Heart of Mannahelp

Lastly, to our amazing volunteers—you are the backbone of Mannahelp. Sorting, bagging, and ensuring everything runs smoothly during distribution days is no small task, and you rise to the challenge every time. You are truly the unsung heroes, and without you, none of this would be possible.

A Final Appeal: Help Us Make a Difference

On this World Food Day, I ask each of you to reflect on how you can make a difference. We all have a role to play in ensuring that no one goes without. By coming together, we can create a world where food is no longer an obstacle but a right that every person enjoys.

Our Skyzone fundraiser is only a few weeks away. Together we can make a difference. Support us by scanning the QR code on the flyer below, no donation is too small. You can help those struggling to feed in Durham region, Ontario right now!

Let’s do our part, however we can, for a better, more just world.

Together, we can make sure no one in our community goes hungry. Let’s make World Food Day more than just a moment.

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Beatrice Adesemowo
Founder, Mannahelp