Emma lives in Scarborough with her single mother. They live in an apartment building. Her mom does 2 jobs to make ends meet, however with high rent and cost of living, theyhardly have enough money for food. So one day, along with her mom, Emma goes to the local foodbank that is run by Feed Scarborough. At the foodbank, while Emma was waiting in one corner reading some fun books, while her mom was shopping at the foodbank, Emma saw a racoon walking around, playing with an apple.
Emma started talking with the Racoon. Racoon told Emma that his name is Dignity, and the apple is his friend, named Hope.
Dignity told emma all about food insecurity in our community and that she is not the only one who comes to the foodbank. Feed Scarborough's foodbanks are set up like a grocery store, so her mom can pick and choose the food that Emma likes.
Dignity also told Emma about so many children, who are not having enough food to eat nowadays as times are tough.
Dignity told Emma that better days are coming soon as Toronto's Mayor and Canada's Prime Minister is working together to have better food in school so no children need to study in empty stomach.
As dignity was telling Emma these stories, suddenly Emma heard her Mom's voice, calling out to her. As she turned towards the door, she saw her mom asking her to come with her so they can leave the foodbank. As Emma turned back, Dignity and Hope was nowhere to be seen.
Was Dignity and Hope real? Were they really there telling Emma the story or were they franction of her imagination, as on the wall, there was a poster of Dignity and Hope (which are the mascots of Feed Scarborough.

Hungry Emma

Emma sitting in a corner of a foodbank, reading books, with shelves of food in the background

Emma lived in Scarborough, a part of Toronto with her mom. They didn't have much money, so Emma's mom worked two jobs. They could barely pay for food after paying for rent and other expenses.  One day, they went to the local foodbank which was run by Feed Scarborough. Emma's mom was shopping at the foodbank. Emma waited in a corner, reading books.

A Day at the Foodbank

Emma looking surprised at a raccoon playing with an apple inside the foodbank

While reading, Emma saw something strange. A raccoon was walking around. It was playing with an apple. Emma was surprised. She had never seen a raccoon indoors before. The raccoon seemed friendly. Emma decided to talk to him.

A Curious Sight

Emma introducing herself to a talking raccoon named Dignity, both smiling, inside the food bank

Emma approached the raccoon. 'Hello,' she said. The raccoon looked up. 'Hello, my name is Dignity,' it replied. Emma was amazed. The raccoon could talk! She introduced herself to Dignity.

Meeting Dignity

Emma waving at Hope, an apple with a face, arms, and legs, smiling back

Dignity introduced his friend. 'This is Hope,' Dignity said. Emma waved at Hope. Hope smiled back. Emma felt happy.

Hope the Apple

Dignity explaining food insecurity to Emma, shelves of food in the background

Dignity began to talk. He told Emma about food insecurity. Many people didn't have enough to eat. Emma listened carefully. She learned she wasn't alone. Many families visited the foodbank.

Learning About Food Insecurity

Emma and her mom shopping at a foodbank set up like a grocery store

Dignity explained more. Feed Scarborough's foodbank was special. It was set up like a grocery store. Emma's mom could pick and choose food. Emma liked this idea. It made her feel normal. She felt grateful.

A Special Foodbank

Emma listening to Dignity sharing stories about hungry children

Dignity shared more stories. Many children were hungry. Times were tough for everyone. Emma felt sad for them. But she also felt hopeful. Dignity said better days were coming.

Stories of Other Children

Emma feeling hopeful about the future, thinking about the Mayor and Prime Minister's plans

Dignity talked about the future. Toronto's Mayor was helping. So was Canada's Prime Minister. They wanted better food in schools. No child should study on an empty stomach. Emma felt hopeful. She believed in a brighter future.

Hope for the Future

Emma looking puzzled as she turns to find Dignity and Hope gone

Emma heard her mom's voice. Her mom was calling her. It was time to leave the foodbank. Emma turned to say goodbye to Dignity and Hope. But they were gone. Emma was puzzled.

A Sudden Goodbye

Emma looking at a poster on the wall showing Dignity and Hope as mascots

Emma wondered about Dignity and Hope. Were they real? Or just her imagination? She looked around. On the wall, there was a poster. It showed Dignity and Hope. They were the mascots of Feed Scarborough.

Real or Imagined?

Emma telling her mom about Dignity and Hope, her mom smiling

Emma told her mom about Dignity and Hope. Her mom smiled. She said Emma had a vivid imagination. Emma wasn't sure. But she liked the story. It made her feel better.

Sharing the Story

Emma talking to her friends about food insecurity, her friends listening intently

Emma thought about food insecurity. She understood it better now. She wanted to help others. Emma decided to share what she learned. She told her friends about the foodbank. They listened carefully.

A New Understanding

Emma and her friends collecting food donations from neighbors

Emma and her friends wanted to help. They decided to collect food. They asked neighbors for donations. Everyone was kind and generous. Emma felt proud. They were making a difference.

Helping Hands

Emma and her friends bringing donations to the foodbank, staff looking grateful

Emma and her friends visited the foodbank. They brought their donations. The staff was grateful. Emma felt happy. She knew she was helping others. It was a good feeling.

A Visit to the Foodbank

Emma sharing her story about Dignity and Hope, people listening and caring

Emma continued to share her story. She talked about Dignity and Hope. People listened and cared. Emma felt like she was spreading hope. She believed in a better future for everyone.

Spreading Hope

Emma smiling, feeling hopeful about the future and making a difference

Emma felt hopeful about the future. She knew things would get better. With help from everyone, no one would be hungry. Emma smiled. She believed in a brighter tomorrow. And she knew she could make a difference.