Food Sort Challenge

Staff and Volunteers from the 2019 Food Sort Challenge

The Next Food Sort Challenge is in:

For the first time in 4 years, Food Sort Challenge is back!

Food Sort Challenge, presented by Mondeau Bathroom and Kitchen, a division of Boone Plumbing, is one of the Ottawa Food Bank’s signature events. We are excited to announce the return of this team-building event, which will be held at the Aberdeen Pavilion on Friday, March 24, 2023!

Food Sort Challenge is a fast-paced competition, where over 50 teams of up to 10 people compete to see who can sort 1000 pounds of food the fastest! Groups can expect fun sorting challenges, high-energy activities and good company throughout the day.

The day attracts more than 50 teams from various industries and community groups. We invite you to join the fun and be a part of one of Ottawa’s most unique events!

Details

Location: Aberdeen Pavilion – Lansdowne
When: Friday, March 24, 2023 with the first time slot starting at 10:00 a.m.
Length of Competition: Approximately 30 minutes per team (full-time commitment is approximately 1.5 hours, plus the time you’ll spend at the post-competition party!)
Team Size: Each team is made up of a maximum of 10 people and a minimum of 6 people.
Minimum team fundraising amount: $1,500

Registration is now closed.

Registration for the most unique team challenge in the city!

Each team must fundraise a minimum of $1,500 to participate in the event. We are looking forward to seeing you and your team members!

Registration is now closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

I AM INTERESTED, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NEXT?

Once you have your workplace or group on board, register here! The person who registers will be the team captain and our main contact. Share your team page with the other members and encourage them to sign up online and start fundraising!

WHEN IS THE MONEY DUE?

First things first – you need to register to save your spot! After that, your team can begin fundraising for your $1,500 entrance fee. The online fundraising platform is easy to set up, and donations will receive tax receipts right away. If you do collect monetary donations offline, you can bring them into the Ottawa Food Bank before the day of the event. Please email events@ottawafoodbank.ca for more information.

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I HAVE ON MY TEAM?

Each team can have a minimum of six and a maximum of 10 participants. For safety and fairness, we will not allow teams exceeding 10 participants.

HOW LONG WILL MY TEAM BE THERE?

Each team ranges from about 30 – 35 minutes (depending on how fast you sort!), but the entire time commitment is about an about an hour and a half. Everyone is encouraged to stay and watch the competitions and enjoy the event after your competition is completed.

SHOULD WE SHOW UP EARLY?

Yes, participants are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to their competition time slot for sorting instructions and a group photo.

ALL RIGHT – I’M EXCITED FOR THE CHALLENGE, BUT WHAT ELSE DO YOU HAVE FOR ME?

Lots of fun to be had in the holding zone before the competition even begins!
Music to keep our energy up
CTV and Move 100 FM will be there to cheer you on
Get your team photo taken to remember the day
Awesome prizes (AND A TROPHY) to be won!
And more details to come!

WHAT’S THIS I HEAR ABOUT AN AFTER PARTY?

Following your competition time slot, head over to Jack Astor’s Lansdowne – that’s where the after party is! Great deals on food for Food Sort Challenge participants, a DJ, and games keep the fun going all day long!

IS THERE PARKING?

Parking tickets are for the underground parking at TD Lansdowne Park. Thanks to our Parking Sponsor, Stericylce, each time will be issued one parking pass. Any additional parking is at team’s expense. We encourage carpooling! There should be no problem with parking before 6 p.m.

IS THIS A VERY PHYSICAL EVENT?

You must be able to stand and move at a steady pace for at least 30 minutes. Some bending and lifting may be required. In the past, we’ve seen people work up a bit of a sweat – it all depends on how competitive you are.

IS THE VENUE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?

Yes, the Aberdeen Pavilion is fully accessible. The competition involves a fair bit of movement, but we will certainly make accommodations if requested. Please let us know if your team requires any accommodations in advance.

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?

We always encourage people to wear costumes… everything is better when dressed up. But other than that, dress in layers so you can adjust according to temperature. No heels or open-toed shoes are permitted for safety reasons.

Each competition area will have a coat rack for your layers and bags.

WHAT IS THE AGE REQUIREMENT?

This event is intended for 19 years of age or older.

If you have any other questions, please contact us at events@ottawafoodbank.ca or 613-745-7001 ext. 121