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Find food banks and free meals

Find food banks and free meals

A food bank can provide you with food when you can’t afford groceries. Each month, close to 850,000 Canadians get help from food banks.

Lots of different people use food banks including families with children, employed people, individuals on social assistance, people on a fixed income including people with disabilities, and seniors. Sometime people just use it once or twice, while others use it frequently.

Can I use a food bank?

Anyone can use a food bank. You can go once every week, except during social assistance cheque week.

Emergency food bags are also available at the food bank’s main office twice a year.

How do I get food from a food bank?

 Find a main office near you.

  • Go to the food bank map.
  • Enter your postal code or province and city and hit search.
  • Write down the phone number of the nearest office.

2. Call the office nearest you and ask:

  • Where’s the closest food bank depot?
  • When are they open?
  • Do I have to make an appointment?

Write down the answers so you don’t forget!

3. Bring your ID and a piece of mail that shows your address. Acceptable ID includes:

  • Food bank e-card
  • BC Services Card (CareCard)
  • BCID
  • Driver’s licence
  • Passport
  • Citizenship card
  • Permanent resident card
  • Birth certificate
  • Status Card (Certificate of Indian Status)

Insider Tip
Bring ID for everyone who lives in your home that needs food. This includes your children.

Where can I find free or low cost meals near me?

Many organizations will offer free or cheap meals to anyone.

Go to BC211 and select the Food and Basic Goods tab to find a list of resources by area.





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