'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
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs to start for Canucks in Game 1 vs. Oilers
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs will start in net for the Canucks as Vancouver kicks off a second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.