Why Nanny's Place?

When I was young and I needed someone to talk to who was not a parent, I would go to my Grandma or my Nanny.  Grandma would make me tea and biscuits and let me just talk; Nanny used to play her piano to sooth me.  Either way, I always left feeling comforted and loved.

 

Since 2021, I've become very aware of how many people in our own community are food "insecure".  The definition of food insecurity is a lack of regular access to safe, nutritious food.

 

To be clear, this is not something I have ever personally experienced, but I have been introduced to over the past 3 years.  Sadly, this is more commonplace than I believe society truly appreciates and while it existed long before COVID, the impact of COVID has clearly shone a light on this issue, magnifying just how far reaching this issue is.

 

The circumstances of those in need vary and it’s not only families who are suffering.  I’ve seen firsthand the impact it’s had on seniors and young adults, who do not have children.  The challenge is there's a hole that isn't necessarily filled by food banks.  While they do what they can, they are not typically able to provide perishables like milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt or if they do, it does not last for more than a few days, let alone two weeks.

 

Because of what I have seen first-hand, along with the numerous conversations held with those in the community who are impacted by food insecurity, I’ve come to realize that so many feel alone in their struggles.

 

That’s why I’m creating Nanny's Place, in honor of my Mum, Carol.  She was a Registered Nurse, a member of the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON), Chair of the Grey-Bruce District Health Council and instrumental in creating the Translation Dept. at Toronto-General Hospital.  She was, still is and will always be my inspiration.

 

This is my vision for Nanny’s Place.  It will not only be a place where members can come for food when they are in need, but it will be a gathering place.  A place where a member can come, enjoy a cup of coffee in the lounge area or grab a book from the “library”, have some quiet time away from home, come to lend a hand or simply to socialize with other members.