Food Bank of Waterloo Region and Food Hampers

: Shamoun family received food hampers, ensuring she and her four siblings had full bellies when they headed out the door to school, according to CBC. She said she was never entirely sure where the food was coming from, but she didn't press her parents for information, instead dedicating her time to learning English and making friends. With little money and a family of seven, her parents struggled to make ends meet, relying on help from The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. "It was just recently that I realized how much help it was," said Shamoun, now 31 and owner of a small business. Best food items to bring to CBC K-W Sounds of the Season "I didn't question, it would just show up in a box and we would do our thing." Still, Shamoun said knowing there would be a meal waiting when she got home brought a sense of comfort, and even belonging, to her family. "It was going to be okay no matter what," Shamoun said. "There was just a sense of security that happens." Canadian food a discovery With food hampers a family has little choice of what would be offered each day for dinner, but it also gave them a chance to be exposed to some foods they had never seen, or tasted, before. "I remember trying cereal for the first time," said Shamoun. "My mom makes everything from scratch, so it takes her a while to cook," she said. "But to be able to have a meal in three minutes... it wasn't something I grew up with." "It was cereal and milk and you could have it right away and it instant, and it actually tastes good." Peace of mind Shamoun said her family arrived with only a few suitcases and needed everything: a home, furniture, clothing. So having that bit of help with the food it just takes that extra thing that you need to buy, off the list." Giving back Now an adult, Shamoun said she wants to give back by talking about her experience. Taking food out of the equation brought them some peace of mind. "We come from cultures where there no winters and then you have to buy all this stuff to keep warm," said Shamoun. "It a completely different world, where we come from. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.