South Ottawa resident Cathy Hamilton is making a difference in her community through her food pantry, helping the low-income seniors living in Clementine Towers with weekly food supplies.

Hamilton was in a car accident about three and a half years ago, leaving her unable to walk for some time. Witnessing someone pass out on the floor of her lobby due to hunger, she started Cathy’s Pantry from her very own kitchen, handing out food to senior residents and those with mobility challenges in her building. The initiative helps those who may struggle to access food and is now called the Clementine Food Bank.

Residents of the community now have weekly access to food supplies such as milk, eggs, bread, muffins, vegetables, etc., and thank Hamilton for her help. 31 volunteers help every Thursday to help keep the food bank running, serving up to 80 people each week and supporting 14 other communities.

Since its start during the pandemic, Cathay’s Pantry has grown with the help of donations, grants, local volunteers, and other community organizations. For six years, Cathy Hamilton has been a dedicated member of Ottawa Community Housing, volunteering in the garden and serving as vice president of the tenant association before founding the Clementine Food Bank.

Hamilton hopes to continue helping people in need, and the food bank is currently open every Thursday, handing out food to tenants at OCH’s 1455 Clementine Towers.

Source: CTV News