A Grain of Hope
It’s hard to synthesize what 2021 has meant for Quest in one or two words. It has been a year of change, innovation, and new leadership, such as the one brought by our new Executive Director, Theodora Lamb. This socially focused mission has made us reflect on Quest’s core values and our role as agents for the disruption of the poverty status quo.
In 2021 alone, we issued 4,085 Quest Client Cards to new individuals. In a year where the need for food bank services has increased 20-50 % in certain areas, our team has also felt the influx in demand for Quest’s dignified food services across the region. Whether it’s families whose budget have been impacted by increased food prices, individuals looking for support after being laid-off due to COVID-19, or people unable to work because of the impacts of the global climate crisis; Quest has been proud to expand its reach to those who need assistance during these turbulent times. As we continue to navigate these multiple crises together, at Quest, we will continue to reflect and re-think the fragility of our current economic and food system as more individuals and families struggle to pay bills and put food on their kitchen tables.
There are a lot of nuances to the word “poverty,” which is something that Quest is always trying to tackle and demystify. Poverty is not only not having enough to eat or a place to live, but it’s also connected to our exposure to unforeseen circumstances that may cause major catastrophic economic shifts in our lives.
Quest will continue to be here for as long as we are needed. But, from where we stand, that could mean a long time to come. This is why we want to highlight that there is no Quest without you. You represent the backbone of our organization as donors, food partners, volunteers, and enthusiastic supporters. Our remarkable staff and board could not achieve their mission for food security without your generosity.
For those exhausted from this past year, take this time to rest. And for anyone with the means to do just a little more, please consider a donation to Quest. Let’s continue to build access to food and dignity in the New Year. Let’s keep paddling together.
