Food banks across Ontario help nourish our communities and those in need of the most crucial resources. Whether you require access to these vital programs or wish to contribute your time, money, or goods, here's where to find these services close to home in Northern Ontario.
211Ontario: Find programs and services in your community.
Programs that distribute free groceries or vouchers to eligible individuals and families on low incomes. Typically operate one or two days a week, and serve only those residing within specific geographic boundaries. Includes organizations referring the general public to these programs. More information here: https://211ontario.ca/211-topics/food/
Food Bank Finder: https://211ontario.ca/211-topics/food/food-banks-and-referrals/
Feed Ontario: Find a Food Bank
Feed Ontario is a network of 130 member food banks and over 1,100 affiliate hunger-relief programs and agencies across the province that serves nearly 335,000 people every month. You can find your closest Feed Ontario member food bank by searching with your postal code or address.
Food Bank Finder: https://feedontario.ca/need-help/find-a-food-bank/
Food Banks Canada: Find a Food Bank
The Food Banks Canada network is made up of Provincial Associations and their approximately 650 affiliated food banks. The COVID-19 pandemic is an evolving situation. Please use our food bank finder to locate your local food bank to contact them and see what their capabilities and needs are at present. Thank you for your patience at this time. All regions are reacting, as possible and as needed, given the current restrictions and situations.
Food Bank Finder: https://www.foodbankscanada.ca/utility-pages/find-a-food-bank.aspx
Local Information
Dryden, Ontario
The Dryden Food Bank: http://www.drydenfoodbank.org/
The Dryden Food Bank will be open at 9:00 am Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays each week. Hamper bookings will be by phone only from 9:00 am -11:30 am. Call 223-3881.
Pick up of hampers will start @ 12:00 pm
Dryden Native Friendship Centre: PDF of services available
Services provided by the Native Friendship Centre are limited. The Centre is offering phone/virtual check-ins with program coordinators, and urgent transportation for medical services only as arranged by program coordinators. If you know someone who is isolated or in need of support please contact 1 (888) 838-3632 Ext. 7, this service will be available Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Dryden Mental Health & Addiction Counselling: Link to website
8:00 – 8:00 pm Tuesday 8:00 – 5:00 pm – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
Appointments: 807-223-6678 Fax: 807-223-7183
Dryden Shelter - Hoshizakihouse: Link to website
The Hoshizaki House Shelter is offering a 24-hour crisis line. Please call 807-223-3226 or 1-800-465-7221 for assistance.
Regular Hours: 24/7 The Hoshizaki House will continue to do intakes and applications, as well as provide counselling and other crisis support.
Red Lake Ontario
Red Lake Indian Friendship Centre: PDF of services available
The Red Lake Indigenous Friendship Centre is offering an emergency food program for children and youth in the Red Lake. Children have been identified as food insecure by partners including FLIFC and local schools. These children will have a bag of food delivered to their doorstep weekly. If you are aware of any children that may benefit from this program please email akwegosupport@rlifc.ca so they can be added to the list.
Community Counselling and Addiction Services:
The Community Counselling and Addiction Services provides free and confidential counselling services. While the office is closed, the Mobile Crisis program is running and phone appointments will be kept.
For information or to arrange an appointment, call (807) 727-1100.
Red Lake Area Emergency Shelter: The Red Lake Shelter provides basic needs and supports to the homeless population and those in emergent situations to the Community of Red Lake and surrounding First Nations. Services include: meals, clothing, shower facilities, laundry services and referrals to a variety of agencies within the community. Meals will be served in a designated area that is cleaned frequently or will be prepared to take out. Individuals will be screened prior to entry. The Shelter will remain open for current clients that are staying there.
Breakfast – 6:00 to 8:00
Lunch 11:30 to 1:30
Dinner 5:30 to 7:30
Phone: (807) 727-2430
Address: 220 Howey Street, Red Lake, ON
Sioux Lookout, Ontario
Sioux Lookout Out of the Cold: PDF of contact information and hours of operation
Emergency shelter hours 4 pm-9 am, no intake after 5 am.
The Shelter’s Food Bank offers essentials via pick-up Tuesday to Saturday from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is recommended that all individuals call prior to coming to the Shelter.
Emergency shelter hours 4 pm-9 am, no intake after 5 am.
Ah-Shawah-Bin Sioux Lookout / Lac Seul Victim Support Services: Link to website
Offers on-site early intervention and crisis intervention. Provides needs assessment, safety planning, and referrals to community services. It offers enhanced support for vulnerable victims. Provides assistance with applications to VQRP+ and with emergency expenses related to the incident including home safety, accommodations, meals, and transportation.
After Hours Phone: OPP Communications Centre 1-888-310-1122
Office: Monday – Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
Mon-Sun 24 hours
Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre: Link to website
Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre provides a broad range of basic and specialized services along the continuum of primary health care. These include diabetes care, stroke prevention, medical withdrawal management, mental health counselling and addiction services, and acute and outpatient programs.
Thunder Bay, Ontario
RDFA - Food Bank Northwest: Link to website
On Friday, April 17, Thunder Bay’s first COVID-19 safe food book will open at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition grounds.
532 Edward St. Redwood Park Church
239 Amelia St. The Gathering Place
545 Cumberland St.N Salvation Army
129 Miles St. E Thunder Bay Foodbank
To register, please call 211. Delivery is available for the elderly and those with mobility issues.
Dew Drop Inn: Link to website
Dew Drop Inn is providing a take out bag lunch every day for those who need it.
Thunder Bay Shelter House: Link to Website
Shelter House Thunder Bay (Thunder Bay Emergency Shelter Inc.) provides barrier-free sleeping accommodations for 62 men, women, and youth, 365 days of the year.
NorWest Community Health Centre- Rapid Addiction Medicine (RAAM): Link to website
RAAM clinics are now operating out of Norwest Community Health Centre ONLY at 525 Simpson Street, Monday to Friday, during regular clinic hours. Clinics are operating and continue to serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. RAAM provides rapid access to specialized addiction medicine, counselling, and peer support at both sites, and virtually. Referrals are still being accepted from service providers. Walk-ins have been paused for the time being, but clients can call to schedule an appointment.
For an appointment, please call (807) 626-8478.
The Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre: Link to website
Non-profit, community-based, feminist organization. The Centre’s mission is to create and advocate for safe and supportive environments so that women can fully engage in their lives and communities. The Centre works with women to increase their access to knowledge, skills and resources so they can make informed and strategic choices. Staff are working from home and can assist with income support applications.
Please call (807) 234-7802 to apply.
For all Good Food Box questions, call (807) 345-7819 or email gfb@nwowc.org. Please note the Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre& Good Food Box is closed until further notice.
Fay Peterson Transition House (807) 345-0450.
Beendigen (807) 346-4357.
Sexual Assault Centre (807) 345-0894.
Talk 4 Healing 1 (855) 554-HEAL
Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army in Thunder Bay provides residential programs and community & family services to the most vulnerable people in the City of Thunder Bay.
The Salvation Army will be providing their food bank – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. please call 211 (in Thunder Bay to register.)
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Crisis Response Line: Link to website
The Canadian Mental Health Asscoiation is providing crisis assessment and intervention as well as supports to family members and friends.
Hours of Operation:
24 Hours a day/7 days a week
Contact: (807)-346-8282
Toll Free: 1-888-269-3100
Timmins, Ontario
First Baptist Church- Food Bank and Community Meal
The First Baptist Church will be offering their Food Bank program and hot take out lunch on Friday, April 17, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The First Baptist Church is offering hot take-out lunch and dinner as well as a food bank.
Hours of Operation: Hot take-out dinner 5-6 p.m Hot take out lunch/food bank Every Friday 12:30-2 p.m.
Contact: (705)-264-0493 (church office)
Address: 100 Second Ave, ON P4N 1E7
South Porcupine Food Bank
The South Porcupine Food Bank provides non-perishable food items, fresh produce and frozen items when they are available. Diapers and formula are also available. Please note that 2 clients are allowed into the food bank at any given time. If you are feeling ill please send a healthy person to retrieve items for you. Identification is required to pick up food for other individuals.
Hours of Operation:
Tue 1 pm-3 pm, Sat 9 am-11 am
Email: sopofoodbank@gmail.com
Address: 32 Main St, South Porcupine ON, P0N 1H0
Timmins Food Bank:
The Timmins Food Bank will offer their Food Program on Wednesday, April 15, from 8:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis the Timmins Food Bank is implementing an operational change.
Follow them on Facebook for updates at 'Timmins Food Bank'
Cochrane Food Bank: Link to website
Covid-19 Food Hamper Assistance- Call (403)-851-2250