When a new food bank opened in her city, Random Acts staff member Tracy Jackson knew she wanted to do something to help. The Community Table opened in a part of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, where approximately 600 households struggle with having enough to eat. Here, food banks must be self-sufficient for 12 months before gaining access to official support and funding through the umbrella of the greater Ottawa Food Bank. Tracy saw the opportunity and applied for an act to supply a holiday meal for every family that signed up to receive one. Not only was the funding used to feed those in immediate need, the remaining funds went towards stocking the food bank in order to keep their shelves filled for needs in the community. In doing so, Tracy hoped to support the Community Table’s efforts through the first year in order to have them receive access to additional funding.
About The Community Table
The Community Table operates within a local grocery store that has donated their storage space in order to give families in need the privacy and dignity they deserve when shopping for their meals. In addition to the space, the grocery store also diverts foods close to their expiration date, but still completely fine, to the food bank in order to keep the shelves full. Since many of the families who come to shop at the food bank are on a Halal diet, they befriended a man who runs a Middle Eastern grocery store in the area to educate themselves on what foods would do well among their patrons. In addition to Halal items, they also offer items for other dietary restrictions, such as nut allergies, gluten, and much more.
The Act: Donations to Food Bank
Tracy had the opportunity to hand off some of the meals to the families and see firsthand how grateful and appreciative they all were. She reflected on her experience by saying, “I felt really good about seeing something like this thrive in my community.”
Thanks to Tracy’s initiative—and the support of Random Acts, local volunteers, and generous sponsors—38 families, totaling 140 individuals, were nourished this holiday season. Even more importantly, The Community Table received a boost toward long-term sustainability.
At Random Acts, we’re proud to support our team and community members in spreading kindness where it’s needed most. If you’re inspired by Tracy’s story and want to apply for a similar act—or bring your own idea to life—click here to learn more.
Interested in learning more about and supporting The Community Table? Please visit their website.
