Get to know…The Ottawa Food Bank

The Ottawa Food Bank was founded in the basement of the former police station on Waller Street in 1984. Originally intended to be temporary in nature, the Ottawa Food Bank has grown to become a staple food relief organization in the Region. Today, the Food Bank supports 112 emergency food programs that feed approximately

41, 500 people per month – 36 per cent of whom are children.

One of the amazing things about the Ottawa Food Bank, is that it is truly an organization for the community and supported by the community.  Over 90 per cent of their funding comes from community sources, with the remainder coming from the municipal government.  The Ottawa Food Bank relies on support from the community; and when you support the food bank, you know that you are actually making a difference in the lives of those in need.

At the Ottawa Food Bank they recognize the importance of a balanced meal. One of the most exciting and distinctive programs at the Food Bank is the Community Harvest initiative, whereby they grow and glean fresh fruits and vegetables expressly for donations.

Since the inception of the Community Harvest program in 2010, local farms have kindly provided land for the growing of “food bank crops”.  From an initial pilot project involving the production of a half- acre of organic carrots at Roots and Shoots Farm, the growing program has evolved to yield a wide range of produce at a new, seven-acre site at Black Family Farm. In 2013, the Black Farm growing project yielded 53,561 pounds of fruit and vegetables (a 257% increase over 2012).

In 2016, the Food Bank distributed an amazing 120,071 pounds of produce!

EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS

How does the Community Outreach and CSR Committee along with your generous donations support the Ottawa Food Bank?

• By volunteering 3 hours a month to sort food donations at the warehouse;

• By participating in the Annual Food Sort Challenge – the 4th annual event will take place April 13th A team of 10 volunteers will compete against 36 other teams to see who can sort through one ton of food the fastest! Awards will be presented for: fastest food sorters, top fundraising team, best dressed team, best team name and best spirited team! In 2013 the MPI Marvels were crowned the best-dressed team. The fundraising goal for this year is $1500;

• Through the Tape-a-Toonie to a Can Food Drive that takes place as part of the December Festive event;

• By raising funds through the 50/50 draws.

Along with donations of food, the Ottawa Food Bank accepts monetary donations.

That extra can of soup, the change in your pocket can give a much-needed meal to somebody in Ottawa. Take a look at the different ways that you can help by visiting the http://ottawafoodbank.ca.

   Article written by Riccarda Galioto, AMMI and amended by Chriss Holloway,Association of Faculties of Medicine 

Article edited by Darlene Kelly-Stewart, Stonehouse Sales & Marketing Services