Community invited to 11th Annual
Food Aid Day
(Ottawa) The Ottawa community is invited to Ottawa City Hall this Thursday, June 4th for the Ottawa Food Bank’s 11th Annual Food Aid Day featuring, for the third year in a row, the Mayor’s Rural Expo.
Funds generated from Food Aid Day are used to purchase local ground and halal beef for individuals and families in Ottawa who are in need of food assistance and this important source of protein.
“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. “It’s always so wonderful to see how our city comes together during this event. Donors, volunteers, and supporters gather from rural and urban corners of the city to help our neighbours get beyond hunger.”
Some highlights of Food Aid Day include:
- Pancake breakfast (by donation), supplied by Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, from 7 to 9 a.m.
- $10 Food Aid BBQ lunch, hosted by The Works, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Performances by country music sensations Jordan McIntosh (11:30 a.m.) and Brea Lawrenson (12:15 p.m.)
- Celebrity cow milking competitions at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
- Rural displays including live animals
Last year’s Food Aid Day raised $134,000. With beef prices steadily increasing, it’s more difficult than ever to provide this product year-round. As a result, the Ottawa Food Bank is aiming even higher this year, and hopes to beat last year’s display of generosity.
“Having such a vibrant rural community is unique for a major Canadian city, and celebrating that community in the heart of our downtown is a fitting way to celebrate Ottawa’s geographic and cultural diversity,” said Mayor Jim Watson in a release sent out by the City. “I am pleased to celebrate rural Ottawa and to support a great cause at the same time: 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. to make a donation. Donations for Food Aid are always accepted online at www.ottawafoodbank.ca
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The Ottawa Food Bank is the Region’s central food assistance organization. Through its 140 member agencies, the Ottawa Food Bank provides food for 50,000 people per month, 37 per cent of whom were children. On average, 12 to 14 tons of food is shipped from its Michael Street warehouse each and every weekday. For more information on how the Ottawa Food Bank helps its neighbours get beyond hunger, or to make a secure online donation, please visit: www.ottawafoodbank.ca
For more information please contact:
Samantha Ingram
Communications Coordinator
Ottawa Food Bank
613-745-7001 x. 105
samantha@ottawafoodbank.ca
