Feed the City expanding efforts to tackle food insecurity in Ottawa

Ottawa has seen a steady rise in food insecurity, which prompted a not-for-profit program to ramp up its efforts.

Feed the City, a volunteer-driven initiative dedicated to combating food insecurity in Ottawa, delivers emergency food directly to those who cannot reach local food banks due to various barriers. They work to support vulnerable people across the nation’s capital.

The local initiative is playing a key role in ensuring that all community members have access to basic nutrition, Feed the City said in a press release.

A Ottawa Hunger Report 2023 revealed a significant rise in those facing insecurity across the region. The study found that there was a 22 per cent increase in visits to the network that year, totalling over 493,000 visits in 2023 — with nearly 150,000 people in the municipality who were facing food insecurity.

“By providing direct deliveries, we ensure that vulnerable individuals receive essential nutrition and support during challenging times.”

The organization’s team of drivers transports food items to those facing barriers, including limited
mobility, temporary or permanent disabilities and more.

According to the organization, community members who can access the program include:

• Seniors
• People with mobility challenges
• Young or single parents
• People without access to transportation

While such challenges can prevent individuals from accessing traditional food bank services, Feed the City is working to fill the void and provide reliable access to food for all.

“Our goal is to bridge the gap for individuals who face significant challenges in accessing food resources,” Michelle Ruel, Executive Director at Feed The City, said.

Feed The City began as Ottawa Cares in March 2020, during a time when communities were in lockdown, said the organization’s website. Community members with mobility and transportation barriers, were up against more restrictions than ever, they added.

“Whether it’s driving food to vulnerable community members or spreading awareness, volunteers have played a vital role in expanding Feed The City’s outreach and impact,” Ruel said.

The organization said it is grateful for community members who are donating their time and efforts to improve the lives of others.

“We are always looking for compassionate individuals who are eager to give back to their community,” she said. “Emergency food delivery is a service that has always been, and continues to be, desperately needed,” said Feed the City.