Volunteers including city councillors helped pick crops during the inaugural Harvest for the Hungry event on land donated to the Ottawa Food Bank. Every year the food bank saves more than $200,000 by growing its own food on several acres of donated land.
Last year the food bank grew over 100,000 pounds of produce, but this year the drought has posed a few issues. Since other farmers are also feeling the pinch they are also expected to donate less produce this year.
The dry spell has yielded fewer potatoes. Problems have also arisen with the cucumbers and melons.
Food bank executive director Michael Maidment says they're expecting to be down about 20%. This means they will have to free up cash to make up the shortfall.
The problem is compounded by the fact the number of first-time food bank clients is up. It has increased by 28% since 2013.