As Passover approaches, Jewish families across Ottawa are preparing for one of the most meaningful holidays of the year. However, for many in the community, the cost of celebrating Passover can be a significant burden. That’s where the Ottawa Kosher Food Bank (OKFB) steps in.

Under the leadership of its new director, Erica Beck, the OKFB has been working diligently to ensure that community members can mark the holiday with dignity. This year, that effort has had to pivot slightly due to the timing of Passover, which begins on April 1.

Because of when Passover falls this year, March offered the only opportunity to distribute items before the holiday begins. The OKFB typically operates on a monthly distribution schedule, but April distributions would have occurred after the holiday. To ensure no one is left without, the team organized two pre-Passover distribution dates in March.

“We bought quite a bit of Passover items and prepared a bag for each of our client households,” Beck explained. 

These pre-Passover packages include essential items such as matzah, matzah meal, coconut macaroons, cake mix, jam, grape juice, and Shabbat and Yahrzeit candles. Each household also receives a grocery gift card to help them complete their Seder preparations.

During the first distribution, families received not only their regular food packages, but also a dedicated Passover bag and a gift card. A second distribution later at the end of the month will ensure all registered households are reached. By the end of March, the food bank expects to support upwards of 300 individuals, reflecting both growing need and expanded outreach.

That demand is one reason the OKFB is calling on the community for support. While donations of all kinds are welcome, Beck emphasized that kosher for Passover items are especially important at this time of year. Shelf-stable proteins such as canned tuna, salmon, and sardines are also in high demand.

Financial contributions also play a critical role, particularly through the food bank’s Sponsor a Family Program. Donations made through this initiative go directly to purchasing holiday essentials for families in need, both for Passover and throughout the year, including during Rosh Hashanah and Hanukkah.

While Beck herself is new to the role, having stepped in as director in mid-December, this new position follows a 25-year career at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and two years working with the MADA Centre of Ottawa. She was drawn to the position at the OKFB out of a desire to do meaningful, community-centred work.

“I love helping my people and working on behalf of my community,” she said.

Since taking on the role, Beck has already begun strengthening partnerships and improving access to kosher food. She has worked closely with the Ottawa Food Bank to increase the availability of certified kosher products and is exploring opportunities for additional support, including funding for kosher meat.

Housed at Kehillat Beth Israel, the OKFB serves the entire Jewish community, something Beck is passionate about making clear.

“This is not just for one congregation,” she emphasized. “We’re here for everyone in the Ottawa Jewish community.”

That message is especially important as financial barriers persist, such as rising costs of living, which have affected families across the spectrum.

Ultimately, the success of the OKFB’s Passover efforts depends on community generosity. Without donations, both food and financial, these holiday packages would not be possible.

As Passover approaches, Beck emphasized that by giving what you can, you help ensure that every member of the community can celebrate.

To learn more about the Ottawa Kosher Food Bank, visit their website here.