Need food support this holiday season? Here's how to get help

Reports of rising food insecurity are alarming but not surprising to the nearly nine million Canadians experiencing it. If you're among them, know that resources are available. "They're there to support individuals in their lives, to support families, to support children, to support the elderly," said Shae London, executive director of The Stop Community Food Centre in Toronto.

Still, accessing food banks can be intimidating. Many people hesitate because of the social stigma or a belief that others have it worse off, said Kirstin Beardsley, CEO of Food Banks Canada.

"I haven't talked to my colleagues internationally, but I wonder if that's particularly Canadian or something we see in Canada: folks don't go because [they think] someone else probably needs the support more than they do," said Beardsley. "It's nerve-wracking to think of having to turn to the community for help when you've never had to do that before.… I think there's a lot of courage in reaching out."

Stigma isn't the only barrier to access, of course: transportation, hours of operation, language and a lack of culturally appropriate foods are all very real challenges as well. But if you're struggling, there is help. Here's how to take those first steps and connect with the right resources.

Start with 211. This Canada-wide helpline is the best place to get started. Dial 211 and you'll be connected with someone well-versed in the community supports and social services available in your area. They'll help you locate nearby food banks and point you to where to get a hot meal. (Some organizations like The Stop and other community food centres offer both services.)

Call food banks directly. Once you have an idea of what's available, start calling around, since there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to how these services work. "It's a good idea to make sure you understand the process before you go," said Beardsley. 

"Some operate on an appointment basis, so they'll set aside a time for folks to come," she said. "Some are open between certain hours and you don't need an appointment — you just show up. So it's good to just get a lay of the land." You might also find it helpful to know whether the food bank gives clients pre-packed food hampers or uses a "shopping" model, where you select the items yourself.

Know what to expect. Food banks typically have an intake process, where the staff will ask you questions about your household and its needs. It might feel invasive, but the data is being collected to serve you better. "As a system, we want to be able to understand who's coming through the door so that we can advocate for policy change to support folks in need," said Beardsley.

When you call, make sure to ask what you need to bring with you; that could include photo IDs and proof of address for everyone in your household. That said, "We [at The Stop] would never turn anyone away," said London. "So if you come in and you're outside of our catchment area, we are [still] serving you ... because you've walked in. And then we will refer you to a place that might be more accessible and closer to you."

Ask about special holiday hampers and meals. Many charitable organizations and faith-based groups offer them. Again, calling 211 is a good place to start: you might need to be referred to these programs by a social service agency, which 211 can also direct you to.

Your local food bank will likely also know what additional supports are activated during the holiday season. "If folks are wanting or in need of that type of service, it's best to reach out as early as possible so that you can understand how it works in your community," said Beardsley.

Tap into other grassroots efforts in your area. One option is community fridges, which operate 24/7 on a "take what you need, leave what you can" basis. Food selection varies, but if there's one near you, it might be worth checking out (try Googling "community fridge" plus your town or region).

Other options include Feed It Forward in Toronto's Junction neighbourhood, a pay-what-you-can grocery store stocked with donations from supermarkets and restaurants. In Vancouver, the Food Stash Foundation operates a Rescued Food Market offering surplus produce, dairy and meat from farms, stores and wholesalers.

Finally, know that accessing food support isn't just about getting a meal on the table — it's a chance to connect with a network of people and organizations committed to advocating for food security.