The head of the Ottawa Food Bank says their ability to provide fresh produce to people in need has taken a hit this summer after a wet and cold growing season stunted production of staple foods like potatoes and carrots.

Heavy rain and winter runoff in the month of May has affected more than people's homes along the Ottawa River. The river itself, often polluted with sewage overflow after a day or two of heavy rain, has had to absorb more than 600-million litres over the past week alone.