Summer is the worst time of year for food insecurity in Canada — donations drop to their lowest while need spikes. When schools close, children lose access to the meal programs many depend on. 37% of Ottawa food bank visitors are children under 18.
The Ottawa Summer Food Drive brings together 32 schools, 700–1,000 students, and 300+ volunteers in a coordinated, city-wide response. Led by students and supported by several local organizations, this food drive is about dignity, compassion, and a community stepping up when it’s needed most.
The 2026 Ottawa Summer Food Drive will take place on June 6th. Since 2024, this initiative has provided over 300,000 pounds of food to support Ottawa’s children and families. As one of the key partners involved in this initiative, the OCH Foundation plays a vital role in connecting families living in Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) communities to this initiative.
This food drive is made possible by the dedication and collaboration of community partners, including Khalsa Aid, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), Ottawa Food Bank, Odd Bunch and the OCH Foundation.
We are especially thankful to Odd Bunch for supporting the 2026 Ottawa Summer Food Drive. Odd Bunch’s role is to fill the gap most food drives miss: fresh produce. While typical drives collect canned goods, Odd Bunch delivers fresh fruits and vegetables — making sure what lands on the table is fresh and nutritious.
There are several meaningful ways to support the Ottawa Summer Food Drive.
“Every contribution, big or small, helps ensure more children and families have access to healthy food this summer.”
– Traci Spour-Lafrance, Executive Director, OCH Foundation
