Community Advocate Brian Markle Responds to Food Shortages Fueled by U.S. Tariffs

Ottawa, ON — March 2025

As the effects of newly implemented U.S. tariffs ripple across Canadian supply chains, families in Ottawa are already feeling the impact at the grocery store. Rising prices—particularly on produce, dairy, and grains—are straining household budgets and increasing demand on local food programs. In response, Ottawa-based advocate Brian Markle is mobilizing grassroots solutions to meet urgent community needs.

Markle, a long-standing Addiction and Community Services Worker (ACSW) and active member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), is leading efforts to address growing food insecurity and provide support to individuals battling addiction and mental health challenges.

“These tariffs may look like political policy on paper, but for the families I work with, they mean empty cupboards and tougher choices,” said Markle. “We’re seeing more people unable to afford the basics. That’s unacceptable.”

Partnering with Local Programs to Meet the Need

In coordination with Fire of God Ottawa and other grassroots ministries, Markle is securing surplus food donations from local grocery stores and food suppliers. His initiative aims to ensure that viable food doesn’t go to waste, but instead supports families most affected by the current economic strain.

“If stores can’t sell it, we’ll make sure it feeds someone,” Markle added.

These efforts are vital as Ottawa’s food banks and outreach centers report sharp increases in demand coupled with reduced availability of donations due to inflation and supply chain disruptions.

Supporting Addiction Recovery Amid Economic Stress

In addition to addressing food insecurity, Markle is extending his support to those struggling with substance use—particularly alcohol, which remains a significant concern post-pandemic. Drawing from his own recovery journey in AA, Markle is providing transportation, mentorship, and emotional support to help individuals attend meetings and stay connected to recovery networks.

“Alcoholism thrives in isolation,” he explained. “Helping someone get to a meeting can be the first step back into a supportive community.”

Markle’s Action Plan for 2025

To address the intersecting challenges of food insecurity, addiction, and mental health, Markle is actively developing and launching the following initiatives:

• Expanding food donation partnerships with local grocery stores

• Supporting outreach and distribution through organizations like Fire of God Ottawa

• Coordinating transportation and outreach for AA meetings

• assisting in drop-in support groups for mental health and addiction recovery

• helping iwith agencies who are Distributing emergency food and hygiene kits to those in crisis

• Hosting anxiety and stress management workshops for affected community members

Call for Community Support

Markle is calling on local businesses, churches, and individuals to collaborate and contribute—whether through food, time, funding, or simply spreading the word.“This is bigger than politics—it’s about people,” Markle said. “We have a chance to stand up and support each other. The time to act is now.”