Small actions can spark important change, and Wendy Leung is a perfect example of this. She is a volunteer and the Executive Director of Foodsharing Ottawa, an organization that saves and redistributes surplus food. In 2024, she was honoured with the “Businesswoman of the Year” award and received tremendous support from the Ottawa community, which she regularly assists. Read more about it at ottawanka.com.
Foodsharing Ottawa
The organization was founded in 2015. Its main goal is to reduce the amount of food that gets thrown out right away. Instead, Foodsharing Ottawa promotes alternative uses, such as returning surplus food to community members who need it. This effort carries a powerful message, since Foodsharing Ottawa helps reduce the environmental impact of food waste while improving food security within the community.
The organization partners with many companies across Ottawa that generously donate surplus or unneeded products. Recipients of this food include charitable and non-profit organizations in Ottawa responsible for redistribution. Foodsharing Ottawa operates on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people, including Ottawa. Out of respect for Indigenous Peoples, the organization strives to continue supporting the community and strengthening relationships.
In 2023 and 2024, Foodsharing Ottawa received the Ottawa Awards for Humanitarian Aid of the Year. The organization’s main slogan is:
“Share it — don’t toss it.”
The Executive Director, Wendy Leung
Wendy Leung has always been intrigued by the complexity of our food system. In her view, food is a universal language that brings together people from different backgrounds. That led to the founding of Foodsharing Ottawa, where she serves as Executive Director. She hopes to help build a strong and sustainable food system in Ottawa by sharing surplus food with diverse members of the community.
Statistics confirm the need and importance of her initiative. According to Statistics Canada, nearly 9 million Canadians experienced food insecurity in 2022—about 1.8 million more than in 2021.
Globally, there is no shortage of work to be done, but Wendy values the impact made on a local scale. This is especially clear in the projects Foodsharing Ottawa has implemented. Here are some highlights:
- The Big Potato Rescue in 2024. This was the organization’s first large-scale food rescue project, conducted in partnership with Care Center Ottawa, Deep Roots Food Hub, Lionhearts, and The Farmlink Project. Farmer Isaiah Hofer from Manitoba had a surplus of potatoes—almost 100,000 bags (each bag weighing 45 kilograms). Wendy was shocked when she saw an email offering 100 loads of potatoes, each load weighing 18,000 kilograms. The logistics were complex, but the project succeeded.
- In 2023, the organization launched a joint initiative with the City of Ottawa focused on education. They held workshops on food skills and ways to reduce food waste in the Nepean area at the Inverness Fieldhouse. Participants learned valuable skills and techniques to extend the shelf life of food, minimizing waste.
- The “Foodsharing Ottawa Ugly Fruits and Vegetables” campaign aimed to raise awareness about waste caused by rejecting “ugly” produce. Studies revealed that 10% of farm output is discarded each year in Canada simply because fruits and vegetables don’t look perfect. The project sought to support farmers and inform shoppers so they might rethink their choices.
- The organization also hosts cooking nights, where participants learn to incorporate leftover ingredients into full meals.
Wendy Leung oversees every aspect of these and many other initiatives, from volunteer coordination and communications to fundraising and educational programming.
Who Is Wendy Leung?
Wendy Leung studies biochemistry and combines expertise in regulatory and health-related matters with business development and digital services. She says she enjoys bringing together her knowledge in various fields, especially when it comes to food systems and community outreach.
Wendy Leung is a Senior Strategic Advisor at the Canadian Digital Service—a federal agency focused on simplifying digital tools and services for government departments.
She was named the Community Impact 2024 winner of the “Businesswoman of the Year” award, which is well-deserved. Each year, this award recognizes remarkable women in Ottawa for their business achievements, professional accomplishments, and leadership.
After receiving the honour, Wendy experienced an outpouring of positive reactions and support. People told her she deserved the award. Stephanie Young, Director of Development at Ashbury College, noted that communities are built on the contributions of people like Wendy Leung.
