'Some kids are going hungry': Once homeless, owner of Chilliwack meat shop aims to help others
A Chilliwack meat shop has taken it upon itself to combat rising food costs.
Tydel Foods in the heart of downtown Chilliwack opened in 2020 and has been selling steaks, chicken and other meats at a fraction of the price seen at chain grocery stores.
“Some kids are going hungry," said Brigida Crosbie, the store's owner.
"They are not eating behind closed doors and I know exactly what that’s like.”
Ten years ago, Crosbie faced homelessness with her daughters after she says she left an abusive partner. For months, the former nurse would rely on colleagues bringing food into work, or – at times – eating out of a KFC garbage can.
“It was the worst time of my life, for sure,” said an emotional Crosbie.
After a few months on the streets, Crosbie says a friend helped her get back on her feet and move into an apartment.
After retiring two years ago from Fraser Health in Chilliwack, she decided to embark a new challenge—one she had no prior experience with— running a meat shop.
“Someone once told me responsibility is two words: response and ability. If you have the ability to do something, what is your response going to be?” said Crosbie.
Three years later, there is a line of customers wrapped around the exterior of the shop.
Bradley Gionet has been a customer for the past year.
The Chilliwack resident has made weekly stops to Tydel Foods to pick up affordable proteins to help feed dozens of Ukrainian refugees he’s housed.
“A couple of weeks ago, Brigida was able to fill 17 freezers for Ukrainian families,” said Gionet. “It’s made a huge difference for sure.”
Food banks across the province have seen a record number of new clients in recent months. The rising cost of food has been a contributing factor in that growth.
The Greater Vancouver Food Bank has served around 21,000 people regularly since the summer. The food bank says that number continues to grow as many face food insecurity.
For customers at Tydel Foods, a bookcase is full of canned and dried goods for those who need them.
Still, for many customers, the meat shop is just an affordable option to get quality meats at a discounted price.
“With 11 in our house, it really helps to buy meat here,” said customer Katy St. Germain.
“This place helps big time,” said new customer Jolene Common.
Due to the growing demand, Crosbie is planning to open a second location in Chilliwack next month, a dream that has now become a reality that she thanks the community for helping support.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
RCMP not investigating possible foreign interference cases related to Chiu, Dong: Duheme
Canada's federal police force is not investigating any possible instances of foreign interference in the cases of former Conservative MP Kenny Chiu and Liberal-turned-Independent MP Han Dong, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme says.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.