Providing food to those in need can be difficult at the best of times. With COVID-19, and the challenging times we have faced over these last few months — and will continue to face — that task has gotten much harder.

The Ottawa Food Bank saw a huge increase in the number of people reaching out for support when the pandemic began — calls went up by 500 per cent, food donations dried up and many volunteers had to stay home.

On Friday, June 12, CBC Ottawa's radio programs will explore themes of food security and aim to recognize the people who are helping to bring us together, support our neighbours and feed our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Food banks are adapting to these rapidly changing circumstances but it is clear that help is needed.

Tune in to CBC Radio One 91.5 FM or the CBC Listen app.

What is the future of food? What do we need to do to ensure people have access to food, now and in the months to come? What has the coronavirus meant for food security in our city?

Host Robyn Bresnahan addresses these questions and more as part of a special broadcast live from the Just Food Farm in Gloucester—a 150 acre farm dedicated to training, education and demonstration of sustainable agricultural practices.

Host Alan Neal and the All In A Day team are planning a special broadcast all about "bridging the distance."

All in a Day will reach out across the physically-distanced community to create connections between the people in urgent need and the people helping meet those needs, and between musicians and artists forging new relationships in creative ways.

Neal has paired up musicians (virtually) to create songs of hope and calls to action, songs that reflect the reality of those struggling and the dreams for things to change and get better. In most cases, these musicians had never worked together before! Featured artists will include (in no particular order):

But you'll have to tune in to find out the matchups!