Here are 3 kinds of items the Ottawa Food Bank needs this holiday season
With the cost of groceries continuing to skyrocket and the holiday season around the corner, food banks across the country are facing never-before-seen demand.
The Ottawa Food Bank has seen a nearly 20 per cent increase in the number of visits this year compared to 2021.
"We're seeing unprecedented, historic numbers right now. These are numbers we haven't seen in 40 years of food banking in Canada, and in Ottawa," Ottawa Food Bank CEO Rachael Wilson said earlier this month. "It's a very challenging time for many people in this city."
Along with increase demand, food donations are down about 15 per cent because food is so expensive. Cash donations are down as well.
"These next couple of months are critical for our organization," Wilson said.
That makes this year's CTV Morning Live Holiday Helpers Food Drive more important than ever. The Ottawa Food Bank can turn one dollar and stretch it into $5 worth of food for a family in need.
The food bank is looking for particular items this holiday season. Here are the three types of items the food bank needs.
1. Baby items
"Being a new parent is very expensive," Wilson said. "These are one of the items that are very expensive for the Ottawa Food Bank to buy as well."
In particular: diapers, cereal and baby food are hugely helpful.
"We spend over $250,000 a year on baby items, so everything we get donated is amazing," Wilson said.
2. Non-perishable items
"When you think about non-perishable, we realy encourage you to think of those healthy nutritious items," Wilson said.
That include vegetables, fruit that's in water, peanut butter, cereals, rice and canned chili. All those ingredients are hearty things that families can turn into a meal.
3. Pasta and canned meats
These are among the most critical items the food bank received. It's recommended that you buy whole wheat pasta. Pasta sauce is also hugely helpful.
"These are all things that can be turned into a meal for a whole family," Wilson said.
The CTV Morning Live Holiday Helpers Food Drive special broadcast is set for this Thursday, Dec. 1. People who would like to participate can drop off non-perishable food item donations during the special broadcast at 87 George St.
If you can’t make it down in person, you can still contribute by making an online monetary donation here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.