Saskatchewan

Regina Food Bank employee recalls her days as a client

Stacey Kristjanson works at the Regina Food Bank. But a few years back, as a single mother, she was a client.

It's hard to feel festive with an empty refrigerator

Stacey Kristjanson now works at the Regina Food Bank, but once relied on it for meals. (Sheila Coles/CBC)

Stacey Kristjanson knows the difference between a hungry Christmas and a happy Christmas.

A few years back she relied on the Regina Food bank for about six months.

I was a single mother. Money was tight.- Stacey Kristjanson 

"I was a single mother. Money was tight. I was on social assistance," she said.

Today Kristjanson works at the food bank as its special events coordinator. In her job she sees the important role the food bank plays in Regina.

Kristjanson says needing the food bank could happen to anyone.

"You could lose your job at some point. The food bank is here to help," Kristjanson said.
The Regina Food Bank gets up to 10,000 requests a month for food. (Sheila Coles/CBC)

She says the food bank gets 8,500 to 10,000 requests for food each month, with half the food going to children.

She's encouraging people to donate to CBC's Comfort and Joy campaign. She says having food in the house makes all the difference for families.

 Kristjanson says this is especially true at Christmas.

"They'll be able to spend some time with their family and be happy."