Advocate

Access to food is a right — not a privilege.

We advocate for bold action to end food insecurity because food is a right, not a privilege.

Food insecurity is more than a lack of food—it’s a symptom of deeper issues like poverty and inequality. We’re fighting for long-term solutions that tackle these root causes, so everyone in Ottawa can meet their basic needs with dignity.

Today, 1 in 4 households in Ottawa face food insecurity.

The Ottawa Hunger Report shares key data and stories about hunger in our city. Released every year, it highlights the challenges of food insecurity in Ottawa, and offers solutions to reduce food insecurity and its root causes.

Read the Ottawa Hunger Report and learn more about the issues at the heart of our advocacy efforts.

Call on the City of Ottawa to Declare a Food Insecurity Emergency

Thank you for taking action against food insecurity in our city! With 1 in 4 households facing food insecurity in Ottawa, the City of Ottawa can no longer be passive in their action towards a food secure Ottawa. The City of Ottawa has the power to declare a food insecurity emergency that would affirm their commitment to working with the Ottawa Food Bank and 71 member agencies; signal to the province that we demand meaningful solutions; and create accountability that the City of Ottawa will continue prioritizing food security.

Step 1: Make a Phone Call

Step 2: Write to Your City Councillor

The following areas are at the core of our advocacy efforts:

Food Security

We support policies that ensure access to adequate, nutritious food for all, including initiatives that increase access to healthy food options and support for food banks.

Affordable Housing

We advocate for policies that increase the availability of deeply affordable housing, including investments in social housing, rent controls, and support for homelessness prevention programs.

Income Security

We promote policies that provide adequate income support, reduce poverty, and improve social assistance programs, including minimum wage increases and measures to reduce precarious employment.

Mental Health Supports

We call for increased funding for mental health services, particularly for low-income individuals and families, and advocate for integrating these services into broader social support systems.