Calgary Food Bank client on what it's like to get help after hitting 'rock bottom'

TheCalgary Food Bank isbusier than ever. It served 141,271 people last year that meansone of every nineCalgarians wentthere for help.Here's one client's story of what it's like to use the food bank:

When AndreaChaissonfirst moved here from B.C. six years ago, she didn't even know where the food bank was located.Two years later, her boyfriend lost his joband the couple fell on hard times.

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"We really didn't know what to do. When you hit rock bottom, you don't really know it, but you can feel it creep up on you." she said.

When she finally felt she was out of options, Chaisson decided to pick up the phone and call the foodbank. It wasn't easy. "I was really embarrassed and ashamed at that particular time. I had to swallow a lot of pride."

But to her surprise, the volunteer she spoke to made her feel at ease.The phone volunteers take more than 250 calls a day.

After answering a number of questions, it was decided Chaisson met the criteria. A date was arranged so she could go and pick up a food hamper.

The hardest part for Chaissonis lining upto collect the food:"That's where the pride kicks in, but you have to suck it up buttercup."

Food bank guidelines

The hampers contain enough food to last between seven and 10 days and are distributedfive days a week.Calgariansare eligible for up to seven hampers in a 12-month period.And every hamper meets Canada's Food Guide.

Chaisson says the volunteers at the food bank arefabulous.

"When you fall on bad times, you lose a certain level of confidence," she said."They understand that you are only in need for this particular time."

Chaisson says they also encourage clients to take what they need and to not give up hope.

Her advice to any potential food bank users is to give back what you can donate money, give away any extra foodor volunteer your time. "I just think that if you give back it not only helps your situation, but helps yourself."

The CBC CalgarySuncorFood Bank Drive hasthe same goal it hashad for the past 30 yearsto raise as much money as possible to feed Calgary's hungry.

The goal this year is $1 million.