‘People going hungry is unfortunate. If we can grow food for people who need it, it is a good thing to do.’
Ottawa Food Bank Volunteer Chin Seah has given over 130 hours of his time in recent years to help grow produce at the Community Harvest Farm. After a career of over 30 years in engineering, Chin retired a few years ago and found himself with time on his hands. His wife suggested he volunteer at the Food Bank Farm. Chin grew up in Malaysia as part of a farm family and even after he came to Canada in 1981 to begin post-secondary studies in structural engineering, he never forgot his time growing up on a farm.
‘I like farming. I grew up on a farm and I like to see things grow. I also like the idea of giving back and in this case, giving back by helping grow fresh produce for people who need it. I feel good by doing something good for the community. This is a good program here at the Community Harvest Farm and I have met some good people here as well.’
One in four Ottawa households faced food insecurity in 2024, up from one in seven in 2023. 37% of visitors to food bank programs are children. The reasons vary for why so many people now rely on food banks and food programs in Ottawa but the bottom-line is costs of living have risen sharply in the past few years while incomes have not.
One of this year’s new Food Bank Farm volunteers is Helen Salmon.
‘I had a lifelong interest in gardening and thought I could contribute by volunteering at the Community Harvest Farm. It seemed like a good fit. I have only volunteered a few shifts but so far it has been rewarding. Both my parents grew up on farms. My Dad was known as an excellent gardener and my time here at the Food Bank Farm allows me to remember him fondly. I have always enjoyed growing flowers, but this allows me to do something useful for those in need.’
Helen recently retired as a University of Guelph Librarian and moved to Ottawa to be closer to her family. After a year of retirement, she started thinking about what to do with some of her free time. Helen had contributed financially to food banks for over 30 years and most recently, the Ottawa Food Bank. Helen received a ‘Thank You’ email from the Food Bank which included information about Food Bank Volunteer opportunities.
‘I always looked at farms as helpful, but I decided it was time to get involved. I live in a townhome now which has limited growing space, but I still get to grow flowers. Being here at the farm allows me to enjoy helping to grow more and I know the fresh produce grown here helps feed people in need. A bonus of volunteering here at the farm is meeting people with similar interests and everyone shares experiences, backgrounds, and great gardening tips. It is fun to be with other people who like getting their hands in the dirt. It helps me because it is gentle physical work and I know it helps grow things that will benefit others. Giving money is one thing but giving time and effort is much more rewarding.’
Over 2600 people volunteer at the Ottawa Food Bank and help support its network of 98 food programs across the community. In 2024, 1128 people chose to volunteer at the Community Harvest Farm and gave over 5931.5 hours of their time to help grow over 150,000 lbs. of fresh food for those in need.
Brenna MacNeil is about to start her first shift as a Food Bank Farm volunteer. She is excited about the opportunity. Brenna visited the Food Bank Warehouse last year as part of a donor’s tour. She did not know that the Food Bank operated its own farm. Brenna is currently on long-term leave from work and looked at many volunteer opportunities to help fill some of her time.
‘I chose the Food Bank Farm after viewing an opportunity posted on the Volunteer Ottawa website. I wanted to be outside, and I like knowing those in need receive fresh produce during the growing season and not just canned vegetables. I buy fresh produce for my family and helping grow fresh vegetables for others resonates well with me. I am excited to experience my first shift this afternoon and I hope it will be gratifying. I already like the flexibility of contributing volunteer hours here at the farm when it suits my schedule. I know that I will learn new skills and feel good about my volunteer work here at the Community Harvest Farm.’
No matter the perspective, it is true that fresh is best in food and in reflecting on how you connect to your community
Thanks to all the many individuals who give generously their time and talents to the community through the Ottawa Food Bank.
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