Ottawa Mission Prepares to Feed 2,500 for Thanksgiving Feast

URGENT UPDATE: The Ottawa Mission is gearing up to provide a nourishing Thanksgiving meal for 2,500 people this Monday, October 9, 2023. With preparations well underway, the mission aims to serve a hearty feast to those in need, highlighting the ongoing struggle against food insecurity in the community.

As volunteers work tirelessly in the downtown kitchen, Ric Watson, the mission’s coordinator, oversees the ambitious plan, which includes cooking 700 turkeys, 3,500 pounds of mashed potatoes, and 100 gallons of gravy. Meal service is set to begin at 11 a.m. and will run until 5 p.m., but Watson assures that no one will be turned away if they are still in line after closing.

“It’s a whole day kind of thing. It doesn’t stop,” Watson stated. He, along with over 100 volunteers, will begin their work at 4 a.m. on Monday, ensuring that every meal is served with care and compassion.

This year’s Thanksgiving meal holds particular significance as food prices soar nationwide. Statistics Canada reports a 1.9 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index year-over-year, with meat prices alone rising by 7.2 percent. Watson’s operation has already seen an increase in demand, serving around 3,200 to 3,500 meals daily.

Watson recalls a poignant moment when an elderly woman, using a walker, approached one of the mission’s food trucks. “She looked up at me and said this is the only meal she was going to have that day. It just brought tears to my eyes,” he shared, emphasizing the human impact of their services.

The mission has been preparing for this day since August, with Watson’s food trucks delivering approximately 15,000 Thanksgiving dinners throughout the week. Despite challenges, including a Canada Post strike affecting food donations, the community has rallied with contributions, such as 60 frozen turkeys donated by Loblaws.

Watson urges the community to continue supporting the mission, stating, “If Ottawans can afford to help, please do. We can’t do it without our donors.” He encourages volunteering and donations to help sustain these vital services throughout the year.

The Ottawa Mission’s Thanksgiving dinner is not just about food; it symbolizes hope and community resilience in the face of rising economic challenges. As preparations unfold, the team remains focused on providing comfort and nourishment to those who need it most.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the Ottawa Mission prepares a feast that aims to uplift and feed thousands this holiday season.