Dec 5th, 2022

Partner Spotlight: Public Foods Pantry Opens its Doors

Community partners in Centretown came together to help residents put food on the table.

The Public Foods Community Fridge and Pantry was constructed by Carleton University’s Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism after being approached by the Glebe-St. James United Church.

Other community partners, such as the Arlington 5 Café and the Centretown Community Health Centre, came together to make this happen.

The pantry is unique as it will be open 24/7 and is outside. It operates on a take-it-or-leave-it basis – allowing residents to access food with dignity. The Arlington 5 café donated the fridge.

Terry, a resident of 395 Somerset, who volunteers with the Ottawa Mission Food Truck, said she has seen the need in the community firsthand.

“Seeing people waiting in line in the cold for 25 minutes showed they’re hungry. I hope this (the pantry) will take a bite out of that hunger.”

Ottawa Community Housing’s Chief Executive Officer called the project a thoughtful and innovative solution to the issue of food insecurity.

“Because we care, this partnership will help improve the lives of tenants living in the adjacent communities,” he said.