Human Concern International has inaugurated a new food bank in Ottawa and the Canadian Council of Imams is launching the nationwide #FastFeed campaign.

Ottawa is facing an alarming surge in food insecurity. Recent data reveals that nearly one in four households — 23.7 per cent — experienced food insecurity in 2023, a significant rise from 14.8 per cent in 2022. This crisis is further underscored by The Ottawa Hunger Crisis report from the Ottawa Food Bank, which revealed a staggering 556,000 visits to food programs in 2023 — a record-breaking surge in demand.

The causes of this growing crisis are complex and interwoven. Persistent inflation, a rising cost of living, mounting unemployment and, more recently, concerns over potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods have placed immense pressure on household budgets, making it increasingly challenging for families to afford essential necessities. Faced with rising food costs and an unprecedented surge in demand, the Ottawa Food Bank has been forced to cut food donations to 98 programs across the city by up to 50 per cent this year.

The duty to feed the hungry is deeply embedded in Islamic teachings. The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the importance of ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry, declaring, “One is not a believer whose stomach is filled while their neighbour goes hungry” and “The best of you are those who feed others.” These teachings remind us that faith is not just about worship but also about service to humanity. Feeding the hungry is an act of compassion and a reflection of a just and caring society.

In response to this pressing need, Human Concern International (HCI) has inaugurated a new food bank in Ottawa. While HCI has a longstanding history of combatting food insecurity globally, we recognize that the challenges faced by our local community require immediate attention. Our mission is rooted in the belief that charity begins at home; it is our duty to support our neighbours during these trying times.

Ottawa is home to numerous food banks and community food programs, all striving to bridge the gap for those facing hunger. However, these organizations are confronting significant challenges, including dwindling resources and an overwhelming increase in demand. HCI’s newly established food bank seeks to alleviate some of this pressure by providing additional support and resources, ensuring that more families have access to nutritious food.

As the holy month of Ramadan has begun, the Canadian Council of Imams, with support from HCI and more than 40 other Canadian Muslim groups, is launching the nationwide #FastFeed campaign, including here in Ottawa. This initiative encourages Muslims and Canadians of all backgrounds to donate the equivalent of their skipped meals to local food banks. Ramadan is a time of fasting, reflection and compassion. By redirecting the cost of lunch to those in need, we embody the Islamic teachings of charity and empathy.

Throughout Ramadan, both HCI and the Canadian Council of Imams will engage in educational outreach. Our goal is to highlight the importance of charity and the imperative to feed the hungry, as emphasized in Islamic teachings. We aim to mobilize the community to address the unprecedented demand on food banks, exacerbated by economic challenges and global trade uncertainties.

Addressing food insecurity is a collective responsibility. We call upon individuals, businesses and policymakers to unite in this cause. Imagine the impact we could have if all Canadians who are food-secure lessened consumption slightly, and redirected the savings towards those who need it most.

By supporting local food banks, advocating policies that tackle the causes of poverty, and fostering a culture of empathy and generosity, we can make a tangible difference.

Let us come together to ensure that no one in our community goes to bed hungry. Through combined efforts we can combat food insecurity and build a more resilient Ottawa.

Mahmuda Khan is the CEO of Human Concern International (HCI) @HCICanada and Imam Sikander Hashmi is the executive firector of the Canadian Council of Imams.