By Kelly Butler
Lowertown’s food-bank users have some tough choices to make each month: to buy food or pay for shelter, transportation, and other basic necessities. The pandemic is a painful reminder that some members of our community are only one pay cheque away from needing help, and having a job does not guarantee enough money left over to buy groceries. This is when many people must turn to food banks to survive. But how have our community food programs fared throughout the pandemic?
Food banks across Canada were severely impacted by COVID-19. Ottawa Food Bank’s Samantha Ingram said that “the number of clients ebbed and flowed throughout the pandemic. The number rose near the beginning as people were being laid off, then leveled out once again as CERB payments began to kick in. Then we saw another rise when CERB payments came to an end.”
The Ottawa Food Bank is funded by the community and local organizations. Last spring, for the first time, they received federal and provincial government funding through Food Banks Canada and Feed Ontario. (Municipal grants cover approximately two percent of their operating budget and are not guaranteed).
Area residents and various groups also stepped up their support. This extra financial aid kept the organization operating to serve the 112 local agency partners who collectively supply food to tens of thousands of Ottawa residents every month. A home-delivery program was also launched to reach people in need who could not leave their home to access a food bank. While much of the Ottawa Food Bank staff is able to work from home, their front-line employees, volunteers, reception staff, drivers and intake workers continue to serve our community in person at the warehouse and the farm.
In Lowertown, the Good Neighbours Community House (part of the Lowertown Community Resource Centre served 667 households and 1369 individuals in 2020, with an increase in families signing up during the pandemic. While some volunteers had to stop working due to the high risk of severe illness, new volunteers came forward to fill the gap.
Significant changes were made to the access and distribution of food in order to keep everyone safe. Innovative and effective ways of working collaboratively while following public health guidelines were established and communicated to staff, volunteers and clients.
An appointment schedule was implemented, resulting in the benefit of individualized and confidential access to staff. “This is a precious moment to exchange on important issues such as COVID-19 and other resident priorities – including urgent referrals to other services”, according to the Good Neighbours’ Nancy Darisse. The plan is to proceed with this model post-COVID, depending on funding. They are also looking forward to welcoming residents back for activities and programs once they are permitted.
Demand for food banks will continue after restrictions are lifted and unfortunately, supply shortfalls are anticipated. “Back to normal” does not mean the same thing for all. There will still be many residents in Ottawa, including in our own community, who experience hunger.
There are several ways to help: through financial donations, food donations, becoming a volunteer (matched to a position that best suits your interests and capacity), and most importantly, learning about the tragedy of food insecurity. Residents are also encouraged to contact their elected officials about the creation of a municipal poverty reduction plan to address the root causes of poverty in our communities. Let’s move forward to resolve these issues before the next crisis.
Food banks that serve Lowertown would like to thank residents for their continued generosity and support.
LCRC Community House – 145 Beausoleil Drive, Ottawa
https://crcbv.ca or 613-562-2925
Operating by appointment only at this time:
Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a,m,-12:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
NB: It will be closed the week of June 28 – July 2.
Food donations accepted.
Fire of God Church – 212 Murray Street, Ottawa
https://www.fireofgod.ca/food-bank- or 613-789-4700
Wednesday 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Saturday 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Ottawa Food Bank – 1317 Michael Street, Ottawa
foodbank@ottawafoodbank.ca or 613-745-7001
Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Main website: www.ottawafoodbank.ca
Volunteer Hub: https://ofb.volunteerhub.com/ (including working at the Farm)
Food donations: leave in an Ottawa Food Bank donation bin/cage located at most Loblaws, Walmart, Metro and Costco locations or bring to the warehouse located at 1317 Michael Street during hours of operation. You can go around to the far-right side of the building and ring the bell at the first door. Someone will be happy to help you.
Event calendar: https://www.ottawafoodbank.ca/ottawa-food-bank-events/calendar/