Thank You for a Successful 2026 Ottawa Food Security Conference

On Wednesday, April 15, leaders, advocates, and people with lived and living experience came together for the 2026 Ottawa Food Security Conference to explore solutions to the reality that over one in four households in Ottawa faces food insecurity. 

Guided by this year’s theme, Confronting a Crisis, Securing Our Future, the all‑day conference featured lightning talks, breakout sessions, and opportunities to ask questions, connect, and learn from one another. 

The day began with leaders sharing innovative approaches to food security, including municipal initiatives, equity‑driven transformation in the nonprofit sector, and community navigation wraparound services. 

In the following session, individuals with lived experience accessing food banks and community programs shared their personal journeys. They spoke candidly about dignity, barriers to accessing food support, the importance of culturally appropriate food, and accessibility for people with disabilities. Their openness and vulnerability left many feeling deeply moved and reminded us of the emotional and physical toll of food insecurity.

In the afternoon, speakers from cities across Canada shared how they are responding to food insecurity in their communities, while parallel conversations explored how advocacy strategies can be applied both in our work and everyday lives.  

Diana Chan McNally (Dipl. CW BFA MA MEd), a community and crisis worker in Toronto’s downtown east side, shared the importance of advocacy in fighting against food insecurity, “Don’t fear advocacy—embrace it. Because if we don’t push back, our work will become completely unviable.”  

We closed the day with a fireside chat on food justice and sovereignty, examining how systemic barriers continue to shape food access and security. Participants then gathered in small group conversations and took part in an activity honouring Indigenous children and the ongoing process of reclaiming what has been lost.