For immediate release: June 4, 2014
A decade of getting nutrient-rich beef to families in need
Community invited to Ottawa Food Bank’s 10th Annual Food Aid Day
(Ottawa) The Ottawa community is invited to Ottawa City Hall this Friday, June 6th for the Ottawa Food Bank’s 10th Annual Food Aid Day featuring, for the second year in a row, the Mayor’s Rural Expo.
The day’s events, including a pancake breakfast, BBQ lunch, and a full exposition of amazing rural organizations, is in support of the Ottawa Food Bank’s Food Aid Program. Food Aid uses the funds raised to purchase and process beef from local farmers, which is then distributed to individuals and families citywide who are in need of food assistance and nutritious protein. There will also be a satellite location at the NHCAP-Skyline Building by Tower 2 (Baseline and Merivale) for The WORKS BBQ from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
“Thanks to this program we’re able to provide nutrient-rich beef to families and individuals who otherwise may not be able to include it in their diets,” says Michael Maidment, Ottawa Food Bank’s Executive Director. “However, beef prices are on the rise and with the prices going up our money doesn’t go nearly as far. When we started this program 10 years ago, we could spend roughly 19 cents a pound – now that cost is over a dollar. We’re hoping the community will come out and join us for this fundraising day.”
Last year’s Food Aid Day raised a record-breaking $160,000. Beef prices have increased significantly over the past 10 years, and the cows the Ottawa Food Bank could purchase then, for approximately $400-500, cost upwards of $1,500 today. As a result, the Ottawa Food Bank is aiming even higher this year, and hoping to raise $175,000 to cover increased costs to run the program year round.
Food Aid Day featuring the Mayor’s Rural Expo is held with the support of Ottawa’s rural Councillors Stephen Blaise, Eli El-Chantiry, Scott Moffit, and Doug Thompson and kicks off at 7 a.m. with a $5 pancake breakfast followed by at $10 BBQ lunch hosted by The WORKS.
“I am pleased to co-host this event again this year,” said Mayor Jim Watson in a release sent out by the City. “Ottawa has a rich rural history. Today, rural communities continue to play an integral role in making Ottawa’s economy and culture vibrant, diverse, and resilient. This event celebrates rural businesses and local growers and producers, while helping a great cause – the Ottawa Food Bank.”
The event will be broadcast live from City Hall on 580 CFRA and CTV Morning Live. Listeners and viewers are encouraged to show their support by coming down to City Hall to participate, or by calling 613-738-CFRA between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. that day. Donations for Food Aid are always accepted online at www.ottawafoodbank.ca
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The Ottawa Food Bank is the Ottawa Region’s central emergency food assistance organization. Through its 140 member agencies, the Ottawa Food Bank provided food assistance to nearly 50,000 people last month, 37 per cent of whom were children.
For more information please contact:
Samantha Ingram
Communications Coordinator
Ottawa Food Bank
613-745-7001
samantha@ottawafoodbank.ca
