Hour 4 of Ottawa Now for Fri. January 2nd, 2026

A senior, who had worked his entire life, calls a food bank in Montreal. He tells staff he is embarrassed and only needs a few basics—milk, bread, something to get him through the week. Shortly after, a mother arrives, explaining that she has started eating less so her children can eat more. A student juggling two part-time jobs comes in near closing time, apologizing for the trouble. The rent increase was higher than expected, and after covering transit and utilities, nothing is left. Such encounters now account for the growing share of those showing up at food banks in record-breaking...