Why a Trans/Gender Queer Safe Space Food Bank?

Transgender and gender nonconforming individuals are a high-risk group due to challenges regarding access to medical care, both gender-related and non-gender related. Their health is also challenged by higher levels of violence, lack of social support, difficulties obtaining employment and housing, in addition to mental health conditions and suicide, brought on by the stress of multiple experiences of discrimination. Even when they are able to gain employment, they tend to have a lower income on average than non-transgender individuals with similar education levels, due to lack of opportunities.

History behind the name

Saige, a young trans woman who had been rejected by her family, found it difficult to access quantities of food through the local food bank system due to issues of identification, itinerancy, discrimination and harassment. The barriers she encountered and the difficulties she experienced were confirmed by a number of other individuals in the trans community who had had similar experiences themselves. Unable to cope with the continual experiences of stigma and intolerance she encountered in every area of her life, she was tragically driven to suicide as a result of such treatment. The food bank is named the Saige Community Food Bank in her honour, as her life was an inspiration to many people in the trans community and because of her interest in having a safe space to obtain food, this food bank was created.

Leftover Item Distribution

Nothing goes to waste at the Saige Food Bank. We distribute to other organizations as well. Some of these groups are:

• Rain City Housing
• The Kettle
• Directions Youth
• Food Stash
• Mission Possible
• The Door Is Open
• Various “tent cities”