Every month, we highlight someone who makes The SEED the do-it-together food movement that it is. This month, one of our regular Groceries from The SEED customers tells her story. She prefers to remain anonymous.
This customer has been with us since the beginning of Groceries from The SEED. She has been an amazing champion, coming along for the ride through many changes. Our Customer Service team looks forward to our weekly calls with this person- we see her not just as a customer, but as a good friend! We want to thank her for believing in what we do and sharing a bit of her story.
Our Interview with ‘Customer X’…
Name: “I would prefer not to disclose my name.”
Hometown: “Los Angeles, and have lived in Guelph since 1987”
Role at The SEED: Groceries from The SEED Customer
Favourite food: “I have a lot of dietary restrictions, so I mostly eat Bananas, Avocados and Sweet Potatoes. Before I got sick, I loved everything Mexican Food. I am Jewish so I don’t eat pork, but I love a ‘kitchen sink’ Mexican style meal with a ‘Canadian’ level of spice.”
Food insecurity is a political issue. The general population is blind to the difficulties of accessing food unless they have personally experienced them.
Groceries from The SEED Customer ‘X’
Favourite part of shopping at The SEED: “I love the reliable and regular home delivery because I don’t drive, am in lockdown due to health concerns and cannot get out to get groceries. If I didn’t have The SEED, I would be in a really bad place – you are directly keeping me alive.
I also love dealing with The SEED people. I receive regular calls, twice a week. Katja and Kaitlin are personable and competent. I look forward to those calls very much. Lastly, The SEED is a well-oiled machine – I receive a call, get my order placed and a confirmation of delivery time. You are the best non-profit organization I have ever had anything to do with. In my day I have known a lot of non-profit organizations. I am so thrilled; you are so desperately needed.”
If I didn’t have The SEED, I would be in a really bad place – you are directly keeping me alive.
Groceries from The SEED Customer ‘X’
Why The SEED matters: “The SEED matters because food insecurity and scarcity is becoming an increasing problem. Many people cannot afford grocery prices and do not have a car. People then become dependent upon transit or taxis to get around, which can be inaccessible both financially and physically.
The SEED supplies healthy food to everyone who would be otherwise be obtaining food with difficulty or not at all. In Guelph – there should be a shorter waitlist for The SEED. We shouldn’t have this problem. We have more than enough food and money to feed everyone. The amount of food wastage is unbelievable.
Food insecurity is a political issue. The general population is blind to the difficulties of accessing food unless they have personally experienced them. Our social services need to improve – food banks are a band-aid solution. We need to get to the root cause and increase access to healthy food, as it is a basic human right.”
Do you know a SEED customer, participant, donor, funder, volunteer, or other supporter? They could be our next SEED Champion of the Month! Contact Maddie to inquire: mbarber@guelphchc.ca