There is no denying Ottawa is experiencing a food insecurity crisis. When 1 in 4 households are struggling to put food on the table, there’s a need to put solutions top of mind. As a community, you have helped address high demands on food banks by generously giving your time, food, and money. Now together, we can work to address the root causes of food bank use by taking part in the City of Ottawa’s budgeting process. Below, we explore how we can make food security a financial priority in the 2026 municipal budget and how you can help.
The City of Ottawa’s budget determines how public funds are allocated, supporting everything from infrastructure to social services that residents rely on. Year-round, residents like you have the opportunity to share your priorities, needs, and opinions with your City Councillor to help inform the draft budget which is later shared with Council for approval. Our municipal leaders have the power to make financial decisions informed by the community that invest in programs, organizations, and services that can make food insecurity a thing of the past for families across Ottawa.
There are many ways the City can invest in social infrastructure that fosters the safety, stability, and wellbeing of residents. An investment in housing, employment, mental health support, and social services is an investment in food security. Here are two of the ways the City can support food security in Ottawa:
1. Investment in the Poverty Reduction Strategy
In 2024, City Council approved Ottawa’s Poverty Reduction Strategy, a positive and well-informed strategy which, when adequately supported, could reduce food insecurity for many residents.
Tackling food insecurity involves investing in the programming outlined by the strategy, including housing, health, income, access to services, and beyond. The 2025 budget featured no investment in this strategy, except for a one-time $150,000 allocation for tax clinics. A stronger investment is needed to bring this strategy to life in 2026.
2. Improved Sustainability Funding
Ottawa’s non-profit and social services sector plays a critical role in creating an equitable and inclusive city, working everyday to support residents facing barriers to housing, mental health services, and employment.
The City of Ottawa supports this vital work through its Community Funding program, which includes three streams:
- Sustainability Funding,
- Community Funding,
- and Emerging & Emergency Needs Funding.
Currently, the Ottawa Food Bank and 21 of our 71 member agencies receive support through the Sustainability Funding stream.
While this funding is essential, it represents just 1.4% of the Ottawa Food Bank’s total annual budget, yet we invested $31.5 million worth of food and funds into the community last year alone.
As we look ahead to the next funding cycle (2027-2031), we are recommending two key improvements to Sustainability Funding:
to better reflect the rising cost of operations, driven by inflation, tarriffs, and the increasing cost of food.
so that food banks and other non-profits are not penalized for maintaing resrve funds. Reserve funds are critical for preparing for emergencies, ensuring continuity of service, and responsibly managing risk in an uncertain funding environment.
The Ottawa Food Bank is speaking with City Councillors to share the realities of food insecurity in our city and how the 2026 Budget can improve the lives of Ottawa residents. We’re also calling on the City to increase funding for the final year of the current cycle of Sustainability Funding cycle. Over the next few months, you too can have a say in the 2026 Budget.
Have Your Say in the Municipal Budget
The first draft of the City of Ottawa’s budget will be released on November 12. You can provide your input by:
- Participating in the City of Ottawa’s budget questionnaire is available until June 30.
- Attending a Councillor-led public consultation.
By clicking here, you will be able to access the City of Ottawa’s official Budget 2026 page with a live, rolling list of Councillor-led consultations and access to the budget questionnaire. We encourage you to participate in these sessions.
Questions you may want to ask your Councillor are:
- Food bank visits in Ottawa have risen by 90% since 2019. Yet municipal funding to food banks hasn’t kept pace. Will you support a 15% increase to Sustainability Funding in the 2026 budget for agencies addressing food insecurity?
- How will the City ensure that all neighbourhoods—including mine—have access to healthy, affordable food, and support community organizations like food banks that are meeting rising demand?
- What specific actions will you take in this budget to address the root causes of hunger in Ottawa—such as deeply unaffordable housing, low wages, and inadequate income supports?
If you are unable to participate in the questionnaire or a consultation, there are opportunities available year-round for you to get involved:
- Submit your ideas to your Ward Councillor.
- Watch, attend or participate in committee and Council meetings.
- Provide input on various City decisions through Engage Ottawa.
A food secure Ottawa is possible, and the City of Ottawa’s budget is an important tool in investing for a healthy future for all, where no one goes hungry.
Recent Comments