Find Food
Food support programs are available in communities across the province.
Asking for help can be tough, but there are many supports available to you around Nova Scotia. If you need food, visit ns.211.ca or call 211. They’re available 24/7 to help connect you with resources in your community. You can also use our Find Food tool for information on food banks and meal programs that are within the Feed Nova Scotia member network. If you’ve never accessed support, keep reading to learn more about what to expect on your first food bank visit.
Food banks and meal programs are here to help.
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What to expect when visiting a Feed Nova Scotia member food bank:
Feed Nova Scotia member food banks must maintain certain standards of operating to be members including Food Banks Canada’s Ethical Food Banking Code. They are also independent, often volunteer-run, organizations that operate in different ways. We suggest reaching out to the organization directly to learn more about the specific way they operate if you have questions or concerns. Each of the member agencies operates a little differently, but here’s some information to give you an idea of what to expect when you visit a food bank.
Who can get food assistance?
Anyone who needs it. We’re proud to uphold a code of ethics that recognizes every Canadian has the right to food, and we value the principles of respect and compassion.
The folks who run food banks care deeply about serving their communities and those in need. They are there to help and won’t restrict services based on any of the following:
- Income amount, source, or employment status
- Race, ethnicity, or country of origin
- Residency status or citizenship
- Language
- Religion or a client’s refusal to participate in religious activities
- Sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation
- Age
- Mental or physical ability
- Political beliefs
- Marital status or household composition
- Level of education
People often say asking for help is the hardest part. We don’t think anyone should have to prove why they need it. You will not be required to provide proof of income or justify need to get support. You will not be required to provide money or participate in activities or additional programs in exchange for support.
What will I recieve?
- You should receive, at minimum, about 3-5 days’ worth of food per person in your household from a food bank that allows a monthly visit. Some food banks might provide less food, but more frequently. Some food banks may provide more based on food resources that they have in addition to what they receive from Feed Nova Scotia.
- Since Feed Nova Scotia regularly provides each of our members with a mix of non-perishable and fresh foods, covering a variety of food categories, you can expect a variety of canned and dry goods, as well as produce, dairy products, and protein-rich items.
- You may receive some items that are past their best-before-date, but should never receive anything that is of poor quality or unsafe to consume. For more information about the difference between ‘expiry’ and ‘best before’ dates visit Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.
- Most organizations will offer you choices about what foods you receive. They won’t have everything that you could find at a grocery store, but most organizations will have enough variety to offer you at least some choices.
- While the following aren’t items that Feed Nova Scotia regularly provides members with, organizations may offer non-food items such as cleaning supplies, hygiene items, back-to-school supplies (seasonal) and even sometimes pet food.
Regardless of the different ways member food banks may operate, as someone seeking food support you should:
- Be treated with fairness and respect.
- Receive food that is safe.
- Have dietary needs accommodated within reason and according to available resources.
- Be asked to complete an intake and provide personal information, however this is entirely voluntary on your part. You may view the intake forms and consent agreements used by Feed Nova Scotia members below.
Primary Client / Individual intake form (.pdf)
Food banks might:
- Ask you to bring ID for yourself and others in your household. Many food banks have a specific area or community that they serve, and most food banks will offer an amount of food based on household size. However, providing ID shouldn’t be required.
- Normally require you to pre-register or make an appointment. Some food banks are using appointments so that people do not have to spend time waiting and to ensure they will have enough food to support everyone who comes. However, most organizations will try to support you regardless in the case of sudden, unexpected, and significant need.
- Have rules about how often you can receive support (once a month, every two weeks, etc.) These are in place to help manage resources and make it possible to provide support to as many people as they can.
- Offer additional services such as clothing banks, meal programs, food literacy classes, tax support, etc.
What if…
Contact the food bank anyway. Many food banks will allow someone else to pick up support on your behalf, or they might even be able to help get it delivered.
Contact the food bank anyway. Especially in an emergency situation, many food banks will try to help you outside of their regular hours.
We always appreciate feedback, so if you’d like to share any about Feed Nova Scotia or its member organizations, please use our contact form. Click here to read our complaints policy.