The Ottawa Food Bank has named its new CEO, months after its previous CEO departed to head up United Way East Ontario. Natalie Spooner, a long-time Ottawa Food Bank employee, was named CEO on Tuesday. She had been the interim CEO following the departure of Rachael Wilson. “It is my honour and my privilege to be named the CEO of the Ottawa Food Bank. I am deeply committed to a food secure Ottawa, passionate about the work it takes to get there, and intentional with the support of our donors and our community,” said Spooner. “I thank the Board of Directors for their putting their trust in me, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with member agencies to ensure we continue to be there for our community.” Spooner has worked with the Ottawa Food Bank for 15 years, most recently as director of programs and planning. The board of directors said she was selected following a nationwide recruitment process. “Natalie brings a steady and tenacious leadership that reflects and advances our unwavering commitment to the organization, its network, and the community it serves. We are eager to continue working together to tackle food insecurity in Ottawa,” said board chair John Ariyo. The Ottawa Food Bank says the increasing cost of living has led to a rise in demand for its services. Last year, it saw a record 588,866 visits, more than double the number of visits in 2019.
