$15,700 Ontario Government Grant Supports Food Security in Ottawa’s Lowertown

On Friday, Capital City Mission hosted community members in an event celebrating our new serving and prep kitchens on Rideau Street. The event celebrated a $15,700 Capital grant we received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The funds allowed CCM to improve our kitchen and enhance our meal program.

“Capital City Mission is a vital resource for Lowertown Ottawa, providing safe spaces, daily meals, and support services for marginalized individuals,” said Lucille Collard, MPP for Ottawa—Vanier. “I am pleased to congratulate them on receiving a $15,700 Capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This grant will enhance their meal program by funding new kitchen appliances, enabling better service delivery for those in need. Thank you, Capital City Mission, for your dedication in Lowertown and our community.”

Prior to the pandemic we were serving between 70-100 people daily. We are now regularly serving over 200 people daily. The updated kitchen spaces are essential to meeting the food security needs of the community. The renovations allow CCM to better utilize our small store front space on Rideau Street and offer fresher and healthier meals to the community. Funding from the Trillium Foundation allowed for a complete renovation of our prep kitchen, including storage, commercial fridges, the addition of a range oven, and commercial coffee grinder. Our coffee is fresher than ever and our community has noticed!

Speaking about the impact of the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, Executive Director, Keltie Davidson shared, “With new under the counter commercial fridges, we are better able to utilize the very small footprint of our serving and prep kitchens. Our new range will allow staff and volunteers to provide fresh baking in addition to our regular meal program. And the purchase of an industrial coffee grinder allows us to serve fresher coffee, demonstrating dignity and care to each neighbour we share a cup of coffee with!”

In addition, the new space is brighter, more open, and more welcoming! Neighbours in Lowertown facing poverty and food insecurity have been so thrilled with the new space. Capital City Mission now has a space that matches the dignity, respect, and care that the staff and board seek to offer participants through relationships each day! “Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like Capital City Mission deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure they remain at the heart of the community for decades to come.”

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

Thanks Ontario Trillium Foundation!