OC Transpo/Loblaw 38th annual Food Drive a success thanks to residents and volunteers

The Ottawa Food Bank has served more people in 2022 than any other time in its 38-year history. To help ease the stress of food insecurity during the holiday season, members of our community came together and made the 38th annual OC Transpo/Loblaw Christmas Food Drive a success. A total of 61,775 pounds of food and $15,397 was collected for the Ottawa Food Bank. These donations will help keep their shelves stocked for the upcoming holiday season.

The food drive was held on Saturday, December 3, with OC Transpo buses parked onsite at participating Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Your Independent Grocer and No Frills locations in Ottawa. All the food items collected were delivered directly to the Ottawa Food Bank, FAMSAC Food Cupboard, Barrhaven Food Cupboard, Stittsville Food Bank, and the Kanata Food Cupboard.

City employees also contributed to the total amount collected by generously donating through an internal virtual campaign, which ran from November 14 to December 2.

Every day, the Ottawa Food Bank’s Michael Street warehouse distributes 14 tons of food. This helps provide their network of over 100 member agencies with the food and supplies needed to help tens of thousands of people each month.

The OC Transpo/Loblaw Christmas Food Drive is a joint effort between OC Transpo, the City of Ottawa, local Loblaw banner stores, and the Ottawa Food Bank.