Harvesting community at the Ottawa Food Bank farm
The Ottawa Food Bank Farm is not only harvesting food but also a sense of community.
"This one really sparked my interest because it is giving back to the Ottawa Food Bank and helping my community that I live in," said Christine MacFarlane, one of a few volunteers at the farm in the city's rural west end.
"It was right up my alley," said volunteer Sarah Poole. "I enjoy gardening a lot so this was a really fun day."
They're harvesting potatoes as part of the food bank's community harvest program, which provides fresh food to the more than 39,000 people who rely on the food bank every month.
"This year our goal was 130,000 lbs. and we're now, as of today, at about 138,000 and we're aiming to hit maybe 150,000 this year," said Jason Gray, the community harvest manager.
"It tackles two main issues," Gray said. "One is affordability because fresh food tends to be some of the highest-priced items at the grocery store but also it's providing essential nutrition and nutrients."
About 20 different crops are grown at the farm including potatoes, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, melons and peppers.
"This is my first time doing this," Babak Anvari. "I find it extremely interesting the machinery and the process of doing this potato harvest, it was pretty cool."
"This is our chance to give back, this being harvest time, it takes very little time and we're glad to help," Anvari said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.