About
The Ottawa Food Bank is the main emergency food provider in the National Capital Region. Through 112 community food programs, it provides food for over 39,000 people per month – 37% of whom are children.
The Ottawa Food Bank supports health and food security for kids, families, seniors and people living alone in Ottawa. Of the 5.4 million pounds of food distributed annually to the community, 46% is fresh (eggs, milk, bread, fish, meat and fresh fruits and vegetables).
Thanks to donations of money, food and time, food bank clients across Ottawa have access to 11 varieties of fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the year. Volunteers help sort food in our warehouse and help harvest local produce grown at the Ottawa Food Bank farm.
During the summer, approx. 20 varieties vegetables and fruit are grown expressly for donation to community food bank clients. Volunteers help harvest over 100,000 pounds of local produce every year. They include broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots and squash.
Our Impact
Gifts of every amount help the Ottawa Food Bank purchase the best food possible. As a result, you also improve the health outcomes of tens of thousands of people who depend on emergency food services.
The Ottawa Food Bank spends roughly $1.9 million a year on food purchases to keep up with demand. Donations ensure a variety of nutritious and balanced options are available to Ottawa residents who struggle with poverty and hunger.
Because the Ottawa Food Bank obtains food in such large quantities, and have amazing food industry partners and supporters, we can make your donation go further. This means that every dollar donated helps us delivery $5 of food to the community.
Want to know more about how food insecurity can be addressed? In September 2021 the Ottawa Food Bank participated in a national conversation about food banking in Canada. Listen to the podcast or watch the video to hear contrasting perspectives on ways you can help.
