After months of hardship, weekend bus route to emergency food bank restored
Ottawa, December 21, 2025
The Sadaqa Food Bank, a vital resource for those in need, has been given a much-needed boost. After eight months without bus service on weekends, the route 189 bus service has been restored, making it easier for transit-reliant clients to access the food bank. This positive development comes after months of advocacy and complaints from clients, highlighting the importance of public transportation in addressing food insecurity and mobility challenges.
For individuals like Zak Khire, who relies on public transit, the restoration of the bus service is a significant relief. Khire had been facing a long and arduous walk to reach the food bank, often taking over half an hour. The Sadaqa Food Bank, which is only open on weekends, provides halal emergency food and serves people from anywhere in the city when other food cupboards are closed. However, the lack of bus service made it challenging for many to access this vital resource.
The situation was further exacerbated by the mismatched schedule between the food bank's operating hours and the bus route's availability. This led to clients facing long walks or expensive taxi rides to access free food. To address this issue, Knoxdale-Merivale Coun. Sean Devine's office began working with the food bank and OC Transpo earlier this summer, advocating for the restoration of the bus service.
The decision to restore the route was not solely based on the number of riders but on the experience of the people who had lost that bus service. OC Transpo ultimately agreed, restoring weekend service on Sunday. This development is particularly significant as it makes a real difference for families trying to put food on the table, especially heading into winter. The return of a warm bus ride provides peace of mind and reduces the worry associated with food insecurity.
The Sadaqa Food Bank manager, Salim Jam, expressed gratitude for the restored service, emphasizing its importance in alleviating the hardships faced by clients, many of whom already struggle with food insecurity, mobility challenges, or limited income. Jam also noted that some individuals couldn't make the trip at all and began requesting food deliveries, a service the food bank couldn't provide.
The restoration of the bus route is a testament to the power of advocacy and the positive impact it can have on vulnerable communities. It highlights the importance of public transportation in addressing food insecurity and ensuring that essential services are accessible to all.
