Food insecurity in Ottawa at all-time high: Mission
Posted Nov 28, 2023 09:43:10 AM.
Last Updated Nov 28, 2023 10:58:39 AM.
The number of people dealing with food insecurity is at an all-time high in Ottawa, that according to the Ottawa Mission.
The shelter says it’s on track to surpass the annual meal count from its past fiscal year, which was a record 1,057,489, and serve a record number of Christmas meals this December.
So far this year, the shelter has served over 600,000 meals to vulnerable community members, and based on the total of 16,496 Thanksgiving meals served from its food truck program and shelter in October, it expects to serve around 17,000 special Christmas meals next month.
“It will take 7000 lbs. of turkey, 3500 lbs. of peeled potatoes, 2000 lbs. of vegetables, 150 gallons of gravy, and 900 vegetarian quiches to ensure that those who turn to us for help this Christmas do not go hungry,” said chef Ric Allen-Watson, director of food services for the Ottawa Mission.
In comparison, that’s about seven times the number of Christmas meals served pre-pandemic, when the average was around 2,500.
While the pandemic has waned, the Mission says persistent high inflation and other factors have meant surging numbers of people who are turning to the shelter for basic necessities such as food.
“I know what it’s like to go hungry, and it’s my mission to ensure that no one who turns to us for help does,” Allen-Watson added.
If you’d like to help, turkey donations can be dropped off between 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the garage entrance to the Ottawa Mission at the corner of Waller and Besserer. You’re asked to please ring the bell and a staff-person will arrive to receive your gift.
Also, as today (Tuesday, Nov. 28) is giving Tuesday, monetary donations to support the Christmas meal and other vital programs at the Ottawa Mission will be matched by DYMON Storage and can be made at ottawamission.com. Also, DYMON will be donating a meal for every Ottawa Mission Giving Tuesday post that is shared on the Mission’s social media channels.
“DYMON is a long-time invaluable partner in supporting our 17 programs to help vulnerable people rebuild their lives,” said Ottawa Mission chief executive officer (CEO) Peter Tilley.
