Dustin Madden knows what it is to be poor.
He grew up in poverty and all the challenges that come with it.
“I know how much it sucks going to bed at night hungry – how hard it is to sleep,” he says.
That’s why, in October 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic still in full swing, Madden decided to do something to help those he knew would be hurting financially in his Stellarton neighbourhood.
Taking the last $300 he had, the 30-year-old purchased a bunch of groceries and hygiene items and set them up in his yard at 11 Acadia Ave, and watched with joy as those who needed it emptied the drawers. He put a call out on social media and was equally delighted to see people drop off donations to keep the giving going.
Five months later, the generosity continues. Thanks to the community, he’s received a shed, wired by a local company, to store the food items. There’s now a refrigerator inside the shed allowing Madden to keep meat or milk for those in need. Local businesses such as Cross Roads Country Market have even offered to provide a regular supply of baked items. And what Madden likes most is that sometimes people who use the pantry themselves, drop off items that they don’t need but know could help someone else.
“I really haven’t run out of food,” he said. “It just keeps coming.”
He believes there are a couple of reasons why this little outpost in the fight against poverty has become such a popular spot. One reason is that it’s completely anonymous, so people who may be embarrassed to line up at a food bank, might feel more comfortable coming to his pantry. It’s also within walking distance for people who may be struggling in Stellarton.
While he initially anticipated the site might be a help to younger people and those with young families, Madden said he’s been surprised to see that a majority of those who use it are seniors.
“The sad thing about this is 90 per cent of the people coming in here are little old ladies and little old men who are trying to get by on their pensions and just can’t make ends meet,” he said. “It’s an eye-opener. It’s really not the crowd I was expecting to get.”
As long as it’s making a difference though, he doesn’t care who comes.
“I hope it just helps them get by and makes their day a little brighter knowing they're not going to go hungry,” he said. “It may not be the best food in the world, but there’s always something in here.”
