“Poverty is a policy choice.” – Rachael Wilson, CEO of the Ottawa Food Bank
On Friday, November 22nd, the Ottawa Food Bank launched its 8th annual Ottawa Hunger Report, The Ottawa Hunger Crisis with a live panel event. The report highlighted the highest demand for food programs in the 40-year history of the Ottawa Food Bank.
Over 60 attendees gathered at the Ottawa Food Bank warehouse, including member agencies, elected officials, volunteers, and supporters, to discuss the ongoing food insecurity crisis in the city.
The launch event began with opening remarks from Councillor Marty Carr (Ward 18 Alta Vista), Dr. Vera Etches (Medical Officer of Health for Ottawa Public Health), and CEO Rachael Wilson.
- Councillor Carr spoke to the demand on the four food banks in Ward 18, emphasizing the need for systems-level solutions such as universal basic income.
- Dr. Etches illustrated the reality of families in Ottawa who are left with deficits month after month due to high housing costs.
- Rachael Wilson spoke to high demand placed on food programs, demanding for Ottawa to call for a food insecurity crisis so that all levels of government can be formally engaged at tackling poverty across Canada.
Following this, was a panel featuring Rachael Wilson, Dr. Vera Etches, Toni Jacob (Executive Director, African-Carribbean Black Wellness Resource Centre), and Cortenay Sarion (Team Lead, EquiTABLE Resident Action Group). The panelists highlighted that is time to act now against food insecurity in Ottawa.
- Dr. Etches spoke to the public health consequences of food insecurity, which can cause both physical and mental health challenges.
- Toni Jacob highlighted that “enough is enough” having seen food insecurity in Ottawa since immigrating here herself.
- Cortenay Sarion shared how vital it is for policymakers to hear from people with lived experiences so that decisions can be realistically enforced.
- Rachael Wilson reinforced that demand on the Ottawa Food Bank is exceeding its capacity, and government support is needed now.
Overall, the message was clear. All levels of government need to act now, and there are steps YOU can take to act in support of food security for all.
Demand Action on Ottawa’s Hunger Crisis
Ottawa Hunger Report 2024, The Ottawa Hunger Crisis, reveals how rising costs of living and stagnant incomes are pushing more of our neighbours to rely on emergency food support. Yet, food banks are stretched to their limits, with some forced to make heartbreaking decisions, such as turning people away due to overwhelming demand.
Join the call for action by writing to Ottawa’s City Councillors and the Mayor. Tell them our community needs leadership to tackle food insecurity—not silence. Together, we can push for systemic solutions that go beyond short-term fixes.
For more information and findings, read and share the Ottawa Hunger Report 2024.
The Ottawa Hunger Report Launch in the media:
