Staff at a Centretown food bank say they're in disbelief and shock after thieves on the weekend stole nearly $2,000 worth of meat, foodstuffs and office equipment.

Volunteer Mike Salter came to the Dalhousie Food Cupboard in the Bronson Centre at 211 Bronson Ave. early Sunday to find food scattered on the floor and several freezer lids pried open.

Food bank volunteer Mike Salter said the stolen items included about 90 kilograms of meat, a laptop computer, a first aid kit, and even a container of floor polish. (Mike Salter)

Salter said about 90 kilograms of meat was gone, as was a laptop computer, a first aid kit, and even a container of floor polish.

He said he doesn't think the attack was random.

"[I felt] disbelief, and then I got really angry. It just makes no sense at all," said Salter. "I've seen the best and worst in people here, and this is the worst. But I think it's really just a glitch."

The food bank, which serves nearly 800 clients a month, is now asking the public for help to make up for the unexpected losses, which their insurance won't cover, according to co-ordinator Mai Lee.

Holiday treats taken

Lee said she's heartbroken because some of the stolen items were holiday treats like chocolate and jams.

"We definitely need to get the public to help out. People definitely need something extra at the holidays," she said.

Ottawa police forensic unit investigators have dusted for fingerprints and say the investigation is ongoing.