The Ottawa Food Bank is starting the New Year with a decision we wish we did not have to make. In 2025, the 98 food programs working within the Ottawa Food Bank network will be receiving 20-50% less food than they have in years past.
Food bank usage is at an all-time high in Ottawa because the cost-of-living is increasing, and social supports are not keeping pace. The Ottawa Food Bank is not immune to these economic pressures. Our ability to purchase high volumes of food to meet increased demand has been severely impacted. Despite the continued generosity of our community, rising costs mean we cannot purchase the same amount of food as before. With dramatically increased visits every year, more than 90% since 2019, we are seeing more people turning to a food bank and needing more food than our sector can provide.
Reduced spending power coupled with higher demand means we have had to make tough decisions to ensure the available food is distributed equitably across the network.
We remain committed to supporting the network through additional means such as thoughtfully spending down our reserves, resource-sharing, and capacity-building that support each agency with operations, funding, and programming. Last year, 40% of food banks in the network reported turning people away on a weekly basis due to capacity, and we know that this change to food assistance will put agencies in an even more difficult position.
After a bountiful holiday season that mirrored a year of generosity from our donors, we could not be more appreciative of the community that continues to support us. This decision, however, is not due to a lack of donations or community support. This is the result of governments that have neglected food insecurity and amplified a systemic issue.
Calls to Action
Food Banks in Ontario receive no provincial or federal funding. The Ottawa Food Bank receives 1.4% of our budget from the City of Ottawa. Every year, we rely on donations to purchase and deliver food to the agencies and thousands of people in our city. This creates a precarious environment when so many of our donors and neighbours are also feeling the economic impacts.
For emergency food programs to continue to provide essential services, we need long term stability which requires sustainable funding. Thus, we are taking this opportunity to renew our calls for government support beginning at the municipal level. We call for:
1. Food insecurity to be declared a crisis in Ottawa: Food program usage is at the highest level in Ottawa Food Bank history. An official declaration of a food insecurity crisis or emergency would allow the municipal government to advocate more effectively with higher levels of government to influence policy and improve support systems for all affected. For example, 39% of food program visitors primarily rely on social assistance, but improved social assistance can alleviate the use of food programs.
2. Full funding of the Poverty Reduction Strategy: Last year, City Council approved the 2025-2029 Poverty Reduction Strategy but they have not yet committed to fully funding it. Full funding is critical—it could result in increased support for the Ottawa Food Bank and network. The Poverty Reduction Strategy would also improve investments in transit and affordable housing, supporting families with heightened cost of living.
How You Can Help
The Ottawa Food Bank has designed a simple, two-minute form that will automatically email the Mayor and your City Councillor telling them that food security matters to you. Simply click here and complete the form, and an email will be sent on your behalf. Let’s show City Council that food security matters.
To the agencies in the Ottawa Food Bank network, we know this is challenging. We will continue to ensure that agencies receive the best support we can offer, and to fight for a future where food insecurity is eliminated, fridges are full across the city, and our neighbours are thriving.
Thank you,
Rachael Wilson
Chief Executive Officer
Ottawa Food Bank
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About the Ottawa Food Bank
The Ottawa Food Bank is the main emergency food provider in the National Capital Region and has been serving the community since 1984. The Ottawa Food Bank works in partnership with a network of approximately 100 community food programs that include community food banks, food cupboards, meal programs, multi-service programs, kids’ summer nutrition programs, and after-school snack programs. The Ottawa Food Bank network receives more than 556,000 visits for food support annually. Sadly, 37% of Ottawa Food Bank clients are children. With a focus on fresh, and thanks to the community’s support, nearly 9.8 million pounds of food is distributed from the 2001 Bantree Street warehouse each year.
For media inquiries or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Farah Mustafa
Manager, Communications | Ottawa Food Bank
farah@ottawafoodbank.ca, 613-745-7001 ext. 148
