Last night, the kids were begging me to let them pillage the remaining treats in the Halloween bag. I obliged them and then obliged myself with a handful of mini chocolate bars. I did not feel bad about doing this. I actually felt good, real good. Because I realized that the constraints that this exercise had placed on me could easily be lifted, if I was only willing to cheat.

And it begs the question; would you do what you had too, to survive? Would you lie, cheat and steal to ensure that you were able to provide for your family. Would you bend the rules to keep food on your table? The stigma and stereotypes associated with social assistance are widely acknowledged.  

And those who oppose increasing levels of support are quick to reference the “people who cheat the system” as reason enough to limit support. But look closely at why folks need to be creative when living on social assistance and you will quickly realize that when you’re hungry, getting your hands caught in the cookie jar is the least of your worries.

I want to commend the organizers of this campaign and thank them for allowing me to participate. It has been one of the most eye opening experiences I have ever had. I want to pledge to you that my support for this endeavor will continue until we get food back in the budget and poverty in Canada is eliminated.

In solidarity,

Taras Natyshak

Essex federal NDP candidate.