We fight hunger with hot meals and community ties.
Our top chefs and volunteers have shared [X MEALS] to date.
Food insecurity affects 1 in 15 households in Ottawa.
When someone is food insecure, it means they don’t have access to enough food. This can lead to a multitude of physical and mental health problems — especially for children, because school performance is tied to proper nutrition.
What many don't realize is that food insecurity is complicated. It isn't just about getting a higher grocery budget.
That’s why we created Food For Thought.
There are so many more reasons why someone might have trouble accessing hot, nutritious meals — from living in shelters and shared homes, to hotel rooms with no kitchen space, to individuals with disabilities that make cooking a challenge.
Food banks, community cupboards and food drives put ingredients in the hands of low-income neighbours.
These are wonderful initiatives, but they only solve part of the problem: many Ottawans don't have access to a kitchen, or the physical capabilities to cook their own food.
That's where Food For Thought comes in.
Our Story
We created Food For Thought in 2019 as a direct solution to food insecurity. Today, we have:
FACT [# of meals made/people fed]
FACT [# of volunteer hours]
FACT [# of top chefs on rotation]
We rent out professional kitchens [on LOCATION] to cook a large supply of hot, tasty meals — from [meal] to [meal].
These meals are donated, through community centres, to people who have trouble accessing food or the means to cook.
[Founded in 2018 by Sylvain de Margerie], Food For Thought was originally an internet cafe in a low income neighborhood, where people — especially youth — could eat [together, forming strong community bonds].
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Ottawa, we had to close our cafe, but we still wanted to help. We called on volunteers, donors, partners, and sponsors to help us cook and deliver food to low-income families.
Thanks to you, we've served over 200,000 meals to people in need in one year – all since the pandemic started.
And now, we’ve launched our first-ever social enterprise.
For every meal you buy from our delicious, weekly menu, we share a meal with someone in need.
Learn More About The Community Members We Help
Donna
When cooking and shopping are tough, it's even harder to maintain proper nutrition. [MORE INFO?]
Cassie & Anna
Cassie cares for Anna, her young daughter, and for her disabled mother. For months, they've lived in a hotel room without a kitchen, and eating well has been a challenge.
Max
Rooming houses have shared kitchens, but many of them have closed since COVID-19 began. [MORE INFO?]
You can help people like Donna, Cassie, Anna, and Max.
*You will be directed the CanadaHelps secure site for donations.
There's a seat for you at the table. Find out how you can help.
We believe that food is about more than filling your belly. Food has the power to nourish your soul and bring people together – that's why most people enjoy mealtime with others.
Food For Thought is about more than food – we're all about community. That's why we're proud to accept volunteers looking for a way to help others directly.
There are plenty of ways to help:
Every Donation You Give Makes a Difference
*You will be directed the Ottawa Community Foundation secure site for donations.
