‘People Are Hungry’: Karuna Food Pantry Struggling to Meet Rising Food Needs in Ottawa

November 4, 2025 — Shaw Local

Community member Bob Carlson restocks the pantry

As temperatures drop and grocery prices climb, One River Zen’s Karuna Food Pantry is working to meet a growing need in the Ottawa community.
The pantry, founded as an expression of Zen practice in action, provides food and household staples to anyone who comes to the door—no questions asked.

“People are hungry,” said Sensei Michael Brunner, abbot of One River Zen. “Compassion isn’t just a concept we talk about on the cushion. It’s something we try to live—one meal, one neighbor at a time.”

Run entirely by volunteers and sustained through community donations, Karuna Food Pantry has seen demand rise sharply over the past months.
Each week, the shelves are restocked by members of the temple community and local partners who share One River Zen’s commitment to inclusion and care for all.

Read the full story at Shaw Local.