Jeff Budge drives the bannock bus through the streets of Ottawa delivering hot meals to those who need it.
“I feel great man, you know. Do something good for the people,” Budge said.
“They’re always happy to see us.”
APTN News rode along with Budge in the bannock bus. He delivers up to 30 meals a day.
With temperatures dropping, Budge said winter gear is also needed.
“We give out socks, mitts, hats and scarves people need winter coats.”
The bus operates out of 510 Rideau, a drop-in centre in downtown Ottawa operated by the Odawa Native Friendship Centre.
The Bannock Bus also delivers to homes and has a daily route with scheduled stops downtown; bringing hot food and good cheer.
Merya Sheutiapik, a regular client for the bus, said it’s needed more now than ever during a pandemic.
“A lot of things have been going down because of COVID. And missing family,” she said.
And they’re like family to me now because I see them almost every day.”
The program has hit a few road bumps throughout the years.
Program coordinator Carrie Diabo said finding the money to run the bus has been at struggle at times.
“For a couple of years for the funding they lost the van because it was too old and it was second hand and it was too expensive to repair,” she said.
The Bannock Bus is funded by service Canada through Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres.
As long as the money lasts, the hot meals will keep on rolling.
