Vida

June 2021, By Maddie Hague

When asked “who is Vida?” she responds with a laugh, reporting like the nurse she is: “a 59 year old female.” Vida enjoys watching Grey’s Anatomy and reflecting on her time working in various units of the hospital helping Alzheimer's patients, in orthopaedic trauma and in the burn unit, which was her favourite.

Recalling her deeper past, Vida talks about growing up with her ten brothers and three sisters on land with an organic garden and five organic fruit trees. Vida and her siblings always had a healthy diet and that’s part of why she loves being a Food Stash member; it allows her to continue eating well. 

In her day-to-day life, Vida enjoys connecting with her community. Whether it’s enjoying a supportive phone conversation with our Executive Director, Julia, going to AA meetings and seeing her friends or sharing what she has with others.

Before the pandemic, Vida would use her Rescued Food Box groceries to cook for friends in the neighborhood. “I’m an excellent cook, so it’s no problem,” she explains. Vida was originally cooking for her friend who is blind five nights a week and another friend a few days a week. One of her favourite Food Stash memories is from one Christmas when she received a beautiful chicken. However, it was so spicy she couldn’t eat it. She exclaimed, “this can’t be wasted!” and her friend agreed and was able to take the leftovers. That’s one thing that sets Food Stash apart, when members let us know that they’re sensitive to spice or other ingredients, we do our best to keep those items out of their Rescued Food Box and replace them with other things they can enjoy. 

Vida has been a part of our Rescued Food Box program for over two and a half years. When asked if she would recommend it she replies: “Oh, I totally would and I have! I have the MPA Society on it. I got the care team on it.” This is great to hear, and just one example of how our program members help spread the word about what we do at Food Stash!

Vida says Food Stash Foundation’s programs are unique in how caring the staff are and in the way the food is presented. She says, “I’ve never heard of a program like this before, and no one I know has- no one can believe it.” She particularly looks forward to deliveries from Chris, who always brings the food box with a friendly smile. 

As we wrapped up our conversation Vida stated, “I just want to give my complete and utter thanks to changing the way I live and eat and everything. It just makes a big, huge difference,” 

We thank you, Vida, for being a part of our program, always bringing a smile and a laugh, and helping us realize the changes we can make in this world together.