Food banks in Canada play a vital role in supporting Canadian communities; in March of 2023, there were 1.46 million visits to food banks across Canada. They not only provide vital sustenance but also serve as pillars within communities, offering a lifeline of support to those facing urgent needs.
Beyond food provision, many food banks offer a wide range of programs and services, including skills training, community kitchens, and job-searching assistance. Whether you’re struggling to make ends meet or feeling the pressure of paying off your expenses, a food bank will relieve some of the burden and help you save money. Learn how to access a food bank near you, and find the one that best suits your needs.
What Is A Food Bank?
A food bank is essentially a free service that collects food donations and gives them out to people who do not have enough to eat. Across Canada, more than 4750 food banks work every day to support those in need.
How Do Food Banks Help?
Food insecurity is a deep-rooted problem within Canada. In 2022, Statistics Canada found that over 18% of Canadians were struggling to put food on the table. Food banks in Canada work to alleviate that burden and provide people with nutritious and nourishing food. By saving on grocery bills, clients can put money towards other essential needs like rent, debts, electricity and other expenses.
Can Anyone Use Food Banks?
Eligibility for Canadian food banks differs from one to another; some require you to be living in the surrounding area or to register beforehand. However, almost every food bank in Canada is free of cost, and open to anyone regardless of background, or age.
How Much Food Can You Get?
The amount of food you receive is dependent on the resources and guidelines of your food bank. Most food banks allow clients to come in weekly, whereby they are provided with a box of assorted foods. While most food banks aim to provide a balanced assortment of food, the amount also depends on family size. For example, many food banks in Ontario provide two to three days’ worth of food, based on the size of the family.
How To Find A Food Bank Near You?
If you wish to locate your local food bank, there are several resources you can use. Firstly, provincial services such as Feed Ontario and Food Banks of Quebec cover a network of member food banks. Simply entering your postal code or address will help you find food banks in your area.
Food Banks In Canada, By Province
Are you looking for food banks in your area? Check out the list of food banks below to see what they provide and if you’re eligible:
Food Banks In Quebec
- The Depot – You can get emergency food baskets at the Depot. However, you’ll need to make an appointment and register with them. You must also reside within their service areas.
- Share the Warmth – At Share the Warmth you can get 3-4 days’ supply of food twice a month. Residents must register and live within the serviced areas to access this program. Clients must also pay $1 for each visit.
Are you struggling to pay rent in Quebec, check out these programs in Quebec.
Ontario Food Banks
- Allan Gardens Food Bank – You can get food for yourself and your family at any of the Allan Garden food bank locations when you register. However, visits are limited to once per week, and boxes and bags are not included. Anyone is eligible, but you must register before arrival.
BC Food Banks
- Greater Vancouver Food Bank – This food bank offers 10 – 14 grocery items every week, and sometimes more depending on the extra perishable donations they have at the time. The amount of food you receive is based on the number of people in your household. People who live in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and on the North Shore are eligible to receive food at this food bank.
Alberta Food Banks
- Calgary Food Bank – Those in need can get a hamper of food every 10 days. A hamper for four people has an estimated market value of $368. They contain 30% other*, 28% fruits and vegetables, 26% protein, and 16% whole grains. To receive a hamper of food, clients must book an appointment. Personal questions will be asked on income and basic expenses to determine eligibility.
Manitoba Food Banks
- Helping Hands – Steinbach Food Bank – At this food bank, you can get weekly food hampers, but registration is required. You’ll need to include your postal code and income tax statement.
Nova Scotia Food Banks
- Beacon House – Here, you can get a food order every thirty days, which contains protein, fruits and vegetables. Canned goods and cereal are also included. You must register and provide provincial health cards for all household members as well as proof of address.
New Brunswick Food Banks
- Second Mile Food Bank – Visits here are limited to one per month, but you’ll get enough food for 15 meals per person to help you and your family. You can access this food bank if you fall into the areas serviced by this foodbank, which include all of Dieppe and some areas of Moncton (all areas southeast of the railroad tracks).
Saskatchewan Food Banks
- Regina Food Bank – Get a food hamper with 2-3 days’ worth of groceries. Food hampers are provided for no financial cost, and there are no eligibility criteria to receive a food hamper.
Newfoundland and Labrador Food Banks
- Span Food Bank – Get a food hamper every month at this food bank if you’re a single parent. Clients must provide proof that they are single parents.
PEI Food Banks
- The Upper Room – Get up to 3 food hampers a week with a mix of meat, fruit, vegetables and canned goods at the Upper Room food bank. Anyone is eligible, but you must bring a piece of ID to access a food hamper.
- Qajuqturviq Food Bank – At the Qajuqturviq food bank, anyone can get a food box with 18-20 types of fruits and vegetables — enough to feed 3-4 people for a week.
Are There Kosher Food Banks In Canada?
If you’re someone who only eats kosher food, whether for religious or dietary reasons, here are some Kosher food banks across Canada that you can access.
Montreal
- Mada Community Center – MADA is a volunteer-based organization located in the center of Montreal. Preparing and delivering 12,000 meals a week, MADA is a strong presence within the Jewish community and beyond.
- Chabad Chai Center Jewish Community Center – The Chai Center Food Bank provides weekly support to people and families, as well as a larger food drive event that is run twice a year. Every week they help 60-70 families meet their needs.
- Chabad Chai Center – A Jewish Youth Center operating in Montreal, with many services from youth activities to food distribution.
Toronto
- Beth Sholom Synagogue Kosher Food Bank – This food bank is a collaboration between seven synagogues in the area, making it an especially strong part of the community.
- Chasdei Kaduri – Chasdei Kaduri Jewish Food Bank is a registered Canadian charitable organization. It is the largest food bank that is fully operated by volunteers, dedicated to providing weekly delivery of non-perishable food to thousands of Jewish families in the GTA area.
- Chesed Programming – With more than 1,000 families as members, Chesed Programming has a family atmosphere. In addition to food drives, they have a religious school and an early learning center.
Vancouver
- Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver – This food bank helps Jewish families in the Tri-Cities and Richmond areas with household incomes lower than 40,000.
- Jewish Family Services – Their food security programs provided at “The Kitchen” serves healthy and culturally appropriate foods in many accessible ways.
Calgary
- Chabad Lubavitch of Alberta – Their “Kosher Pantry” program provides ready-made kosher food to people from the community. They also provide many other great services including youth programs and camps.
- JFSC – Services and programs offered in the spirit of Jewish tradition. JFSC provides food hampers and hosts food drives.
Are There Halal Food Banks In Canada?
If you’re someone who eats Halal food, whether for religious or dietary reasons, here are some Halal food banks in cities across Canada:
Montreal
- Muslim Welfare Centre Food Bank Montreal – With over 9000 registered families, their distribution program provides non-perishable food and halal meat. In addition, they also offer essential household items, clothing, footwear, and winter gear.
- ICNA Montreal Food Bank/Resource Center – Organized by the Islamic Center of Quebec, they organize food drives, events during holidays, and other events for the Muslim community of Montreal.
Toronto
- Muslim Food Bank and Community Services Toronto – A staple of Toronto’s Muslim community, this food bank provides many services. For example, distributing food hampers, blankets, and household items. They regularly do food drives and distribution at 172 Milvan Dr, North York in Toronto.
- Milton Halal Food Bank – With a mission to end food insecurity in Canada, Milton Halal Food Bank (MHFB) supports the local Muslim community. They deliver food to the vulnerable and provide all kinds of great services for the youth and elderly.
- Muslim Welfare Canada: Halal Meals on Wheels for Seniors – As part of the organization Muslim Welfare Canada (MWC). Their Meals on Wheel for Seniors program prepares and delivers over 500 meals to seniors in the GTA and Mississauga, twice a week.
Vancouver
- Muslim Food Bank (Vancouver) – Operating out of the Downtown Eastside, they work every day to provide meals for Vancouver’s homeless community, as well as warm clothing and blankets during the winter.
- Muslim Food Bank Vancouver (Surrey) – Through their weekly Surrey Halal Food Hamper distribution program, The Muslim Food Bank’s goal is to end hunger and food insecurity for people in BC.
- Masjid Al-Salaam – Operated out of the Masjid premises, they have served the Burnaby/New Westminster area for over 15 years. They now have over 110 families in their food bank program and provide food every month to members.
Calgary
- Muslim Family Network Society (Halal Food Bank) – Muslim Families Network Society (MFNS) is a non-profit organization that provides education and awareness, poverty relief and social support based on Islamic principles and values.
- Muslim Food Bank (Calgary location) – This branch of the Muslim Food Bank provides Halal Food Hamper distribution to the community.
- MCC Relief Centre Food Programs – The MCC provides services such as a food pantry and economic assistance. Their goal is to give local Calgarians the support they need.
Other Financial Support Programs
The federal and provincial government of Canada offers a social safety net for those in need. Apart from Employment Insurance, child benefits, pensions, benefits for housing and student aid, there are even more programs to consider such as:
Grocery Rebate
The government of Canada has announced they’ll be providing a grocery rebate to Canadians to help with the cost of food inflation. Eligible Canadians can receive up to $467 depending on their income and family composition. The payment will be added to your GST/HST tax credit payments.
Rent Assistance
This comes in several forms and varies from province to province. For example, the Toronto Rent Bank grants support to Toronto residents who are behind on their rent or need help with a rental deposit.
They ensure that low-income individuals and families are able to stay in their homes and avoid homelessness. Additionally, residents of Toronto can receive Emergency Energy Funds (EEF), to help with hydro, gas, or oil services payments.
Loans
Options such as debt consolidation can help to manage your debt payments. By merging all your debt into one loan, you may be able to access lower monthly payments and make managing your monthly expenses easier. Moreover, if you consolidate all your high-interest debt to a debt consolidation loan with a low-interest rate, you can save money overall.
Credit Counselling
A credit counsellor will assess your finances and help find the best debt relief options for you. For example, if you decide to sign up for a debt management plan, your counsellor will try and negotiate a new payment plan with your creditors. In some cases, they may also be able to reduce or even eliminate any interest charges or fees.
Bottom Line
With rising inflation and groceries getting increasingly more expensive, it’s getting harder and harder for many Canadians to make ends meet. But even with all these hurdles, communities across Canada are ready to offer support. Almost all the food banks in this article are run entirely by volunteers who are there to provide a helping hand and offer the support residents need to empower themselves.
