With the increased cost of living, we know that sometimes putting food on the table can be a struggle! The Food Bank is a judgment-free zone where people from our city can get access to food to help fill the pantry. We believe the Church exists to come alongside people and to come alongside our city. The Food Bank is co-run between volunteers from Zion Church in Oshawa, and Hope Fellowship Church in Courtice. Have questions about how to use the Food Bank? Check out our Food Bank FAQ below!
Food Bank FAQ
When is the Food Bank opened?
The Food Bank is open weekly on Thursdays from 9:00-11:00am. Doors open at 8:45am, when numbers are handed out in a lottery based system. For any who arrive after 8:45, they will receive the next number in line. You are welcome to come at any time between 8:45-11:00am!
What do I need to bring?
To make use of Food Bank services, you must bring a piece of government ID for yourself, and anyone in your household that you are picking food up for. You need to also provide proof of address (anything with your name and address, like a driver’s license, rental agreement, or bill). Food will only be distributed for the number of people who you provided valid ID for.
Who can use the Food Bank?
The Food Bank is open to those in the Oshawa and surrounding community who need assistance in providing food for themselves and their family. We do not complete income checks or ask for proof of need.
Is there a limit to how often I can use the Food Bank?
You are welcome to use the Food Bank biweekly! No appointment is necessary! Our Food Bank acts as a supplementary food source, and doesn’t prevent you from accessing other Food Banks in the area.
Looking to help?
The Food Bank relies heavily on food donations and volunteers to assist in the weekly Food Bank operations!
If you would like to donate towards the Food Bank, you can donate money here or bring in grocery items. Most needed items are: peanut butter, tomato sauce, canned meat, laundry & dish detergent, personal hygiene items (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products etc.), cereal, coffee & tea, and oil - however all donations are welcome!
Partnering With our CITY
We’re so grateful for our community that generously supports the Food Bank, helping keep our shelves stocked so we can serve the city! Over the holidays, we received thousands of items from Walter E. Harris Public School, Coronation Public School, Willow’s Walk Public School, Dr. Robert Thornton Public School and the Courtice Lion’s Club, who all ran food and toy drives for us!
We are also so grateful for the ongoing support and partnership of the Five Points Metro store, Feed the Need Durham, the two Costco in Oshawa and Farm Boy in Whitby, whose food donations make it possible for us to keep running! We love it when we can work together within community in order to give back to our city. Thank you!
