Ottawa’s smallest food bank with a big impact and an even bigger heart.
History
St. Joe’s Supper Table was established by Fr. Fred Magee, OMI in 1978. Fr. Fred lived in the rectory that now houses the St. Joe’s Supper Table. He noticed the growing problem of food insecurity and tried to do his part, in a very modest way, by preparing fresh sandwiches for anyone who came to the door of the rectory. As word spread throughout Ottawa of Fr. Fred’s outreach, parishioners from St. Joseph’s Parish joined him and the sandwich serviced evolved into a full, hot dinner offered on weekdays.
Vision
To be a community meal program and food bank that recognizes and respects the dignity of every human person.
Mission
To feed the hungry and address food insecurity in downtown Ottawa (Sandy Hill) by providing residents with access to free food and healthy meals.
Values
Diversity
Responsiveness
We respond to the changing and increasingly diverse demographics of our city by providing a welcoming place of rest for all.
Ministering
Activities & Services
Our dedicated volunteers arrive first thing in the morning at our community kitchen to prepare bagged lunches and start cooking the main meal for the day. We also have baking crews that come in throughout the week to prepare desserts for the guests.
Historically, guests had a choice to come in for a hot meal or get a bagged meal at the door. Since the pandemic, we have offered hot meals in take-away containers. Takeaway meals are available for individuals who do not wish to come inside and sit. We have built a reputation for providing homemade nutritious meals and the warmest welcome and atmosphere of all the free meal providers in the city.