“We have seen a 15 percent increase in demand from people turning to food banks for the very first time.”

Janet Mabie
Special to Spur Ottawa

With businesses shuttered and so many people suddenly forced out of work, the Ottawa Food Bank has seen a spike in new clients.

Normally, the organization provides food to more than 39,000 people monthly. However, Samantha Ingram, Communications Manager at the Ottawa Food Bank shares that “since the pandemic, we have seen a 15 percent increase in demand from people turning to food banks for the very first time. With businesses having to close and people having to turn to emergency food programs, it may take people a long time to recover from this.”

The arrival of the COVID-19 virus forced many changes to the day-to-day operations of the Ottawa Food Bank and their network of community food-program partners. Beyond following Ottawa Public Health protocols, the restrictions led the food bank to cancel many fundraising events, leaving the organization pressed with both increased demand and funding challenges.

Donation bins can still be found in grocery stores, but church closures have left congregants like Barb MacKenzie, of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, finding ways to innovate food collections.

“We have seen walls come down and had the opportunity to pray with so many.” Photo by Robert MacKenzie.

“Our family is inviting our St. Paul’s family to contribute containers, food stuffs, and egg cartons, to be dropped off at our home,” says MacKenzie, who volunteers at the Pinecrest Terrace Food Bank. “There is a large container, as well as a sign on our lawn.”

MacKenzie hopes the sign will also encourage her neighbours to contribute to the Food Bank.

Representatives of Care Centre Ottawa say the organization’s existing infrastructure and strong community connections, especially with Bethel Pentecostal Church, have enabled them to gear up in responding to the crisis.

“Bethel has provided access to additional space at the church for the Care Centre to operate,” explains Lisa Fabian, Director of the Care Centre. “We have turned the gym/kitchen into a temporary hub where we are able to process incoming donations, prepare non-perishable food boxes, and assemble bags of fresh fruits, vegetables, and bread products. Guests also receive a dozen eggs, milk, and meat.”

Members of the Bethel congregation provide lunch for Care Centre volunteers and help with deliveries. A small group of volunteers also assist with picking up and processing donations, packing care boxes, administrative duties, and cleaning. To reduce the risk of exposure, the centre set up a drive-through model for clients to pick up their orders.

“God is at work and we are so grateful for His faithfulness,”

“We thank God for the strong, trusting relationships He has enabled us to build in our community,” says Fabian. “It has been an absolute privilege to look into the eyes of our guests and remind them that we are all in this together and that, even if we cannot see all that lies ahead, we can trust that God loves us and He is in control. We have seen walls come down and had the opportunity to pray with so many. We have also seen tears of gratitude and watched as worry, shame, and fear have been exchanged with relief and smiles, as guests recognize that they are not alone.”

While local food banks are working to navigate the ever-changing situation, they stress the value of prayer. Pray for safety for staff, volunteers, clients, and supporters, for continued provision to meet the growing demand, for wisdom, and “that the light of Christ will shine through and provide increased opportunities to share about the hope that comes from knowing Jesus.

“God is at work and we are so grateful for His faithfulness,” Fabian states. “We remain committed to serving our neighbours, filling existing gaps, and sharing God’s love in tangible ways.”