Purchase Food

Your donations help us purchase the best food for the community

Many people are surprised to find that the Ottawa Food Bank spends millions of dollars a year on food purchases to ensure we can keep up with demand and make certain we are providing a variety of nutritious and balanced options.

To ensure we purchase the best food possible, we are committed to investing approximately $400,000 annually to improve the health outcomes of people who depend on emergency food services.

With the help of Ottawa Public Health, we did a complete review of the food items we purchase and distribute. Based on the findings, and with feedback from our community food programs, we have made substantial changes to ensure lower fat, sodium, and sugar content, and increased protein and fibre. This focus and constant review is our Health Smart program.

Through our ReFRESH winter produce program, we ensure that clients receive produce even during the winter months when our growing season is over. We allocate approximately $50,000 specifically to purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables to provide to our member agencies throughout the cold months.

Because we purchase food in such large quantities and have amazing food industry partners, we can make your donation go further. This means every dollar donated can be stretched further than if you were to go to the grocery store yourself!

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Many people are surprised to find that the Ottawa Food Bank spends millions of dollars a year on food purchases to ensure we can keep up with demand and make certain we are providing a variety of nutritious and balanced options.

Many people are surprised to find that the Ottawa Food Bank spends millions of dollars a year on food purchases to ensure we can keep up with demand and make certain we are providing a variety of nutritious and balanced options.

Need food?

Use our look up tool to find the community food program in your neighbourhood.