The Ottawa Food Bank’s signature events serve two important purposes:
- To help generate monetary and food donations necessary to support our member agencies and their clients
- To engage with our dedicated and enthusiastic community!
We could not do the work we do without your support. From grocery food drives to our annual Food Sort Challenge, these Ottawa Food Bank hosted events would not exist without YOU. Thank you to our volunteers, sponsors, event partners and participants for all that you do. Check out the full line up below.
Holiday Food Drive
Each November, we call on YOU and challenge workplaces, neighbourhoods, sports teams, faith communities, and other groups across Ottawa to collect funds and non-perishable food for families in need, as part of our Holiday Food Drive.
The Holiday Food Drive is a great way to bring in the holiday season, and the proceeds help the Ottawa Food Bank provide emergency food service for our community food programs and their clients well into the winter months.
2026 Ottawa Food Security Conference
On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the Ottawa Food Bank will bring together cross-sectoral leaders, advocates, people with lived/living experience, and community supporters for a day of discussion, ideation, and inspiration – drawing from the theme of Confronting a Crisis, Securing Our Future.
The full-day conference will take place right here in Ottawa at the Ottawa Conference & Event Centre. Don’t miss out on a critical discussion, at a critical time. Registration opens in January 2026!
Fill Plates Food Drive
Seasons will soon be changing, but one thing will remain the same this Spring: 1 in 4 households will continue experiencing food insecurity across Ottawa.
That’s why the Ottawa Food Bank is looking for your help! Help us spring into the season by dropping off food items during our “Fill the Plates – Spring Food Drive” happening at select grocery stores across Ottawa.
Food Sort Challenge
The Food Sort Challenge, presented by Mondeau Bathroom and Kitchen, a division of Boone Plumbing & Heating Supply, is a fast-paced corporate and community challenge, where teams of ten compete head-to-head to see who can sort food the fastest!
Incredible prizes are awarded to the fastest team as well as the top fundraisers, and the most spirited group.
Thanks for Giving Food Drive
Amazing Ottawa Food Bank volunteers set up in grocery stores across the city to encourage shoppers to donate to the Ottawa Food Bank to help restock shelves as we prepare for the cold months ahead.