OTTAWA – Hit downtown Ottawa this Friday (June 7) to get a taste of rural life.

Mayor Jim Watson and Michael Maidment, the Executive Director of the Ottawa Food Bank, will co-host this year’s Food Aid fundraiser BBQ and Mayor’s Rural Expo on Friday. Join in to celebrate rural Ottawa and raise money for the Ottawa Food Bank’s Food Aid program.

“Come down to City Hall for this free family-friendly event that brings the flavor and uniqueness of rural Ottawa to the city’s core area,” City of Ottawa staff released in a statement May 31. “The fun starts at 10 a.m. with a rural tradeshow featuring farmers, businesses and organizations offering unique goods and services.”

This year’s highlights include:

• The mayor’s Pollinator Appreciation Day Proclamation at 10:30 a.m.
• A Food Aid BBQ hosted by THE WORKS from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $10 includes a burger, side and drink
• Music and entertainment provided by Ottawa’s New Country 94 at noon
• The annual celebrity cow milking competition at 12:15 p.m.

Last year, the event raised $50,092 in support of Food Aid—a program run by the Ottawa Food Bank. One hundred per cent of proceeds collected are used to supply quality, local beef to the 37,542 people who rely on Ottawa’s food banks every month. This partnership helps to create a healthier city by increasing access to healthy food and advocating for changes that reduce food insecurity.

Can’t attend in person? You can still donate to Food Aid by texting ‘BEEF’ to 45678.

Food Aid has raised over $1 million since 2014. Since inception, Food Aid has purchased 938,091 pounds of local beef. The Ottawa Food Bank provides meat, eggs, milk and produce to 114 agencies for distribution to their clients.

For more information on city programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401).