Free Community Meal Programs
There are many organizations in Brantford and Brant County that offer food banks, food cupboards and free community meals. To view the monthly calendar clink on the Find Out More button below.
Brantford Food Bank
The Brantford Food Bank offers an emergency food bank service to individuals and families in Brantford, Brant and Six Nations. This includes low-income families, children, the elderly, abuse survivors and the homeless. We also provide a Food Distribution Service to 28 other food and meal providers in our community. We believe that every person should have nutritious food and balanced meals.
Burford Community Food Bank
The Burford Community Food Bank provides food to those in need. Food pick up is available on the second and fourth Monday of every month from 4 - 5 pm. Appointments for alternate arrangements can also be made by calling 519-449-5315
Christmas Baskets: Brantford Food Bank
Each year, in our local community, there are parents who find it difficult to provide a Christmas celebration for their children. There are individuals who feel desperate and alone during a time when others are surrounded by loved ones. Every person should feel special and cared-for during this wonderful time of year.
First Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church offers a food cupboard to the community that helps reduce hunger and provides a caring presence for those in need. Food is organized, package and distributed weekly on Thursday morning. Clients may use the Food Cupboard every two weeks. Open on Thursdays, 9:30 - 11:30 am.
Friendship House
Friendship House is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
We are also open on Friday for our church service at 10:30 a.m.
Lunch is provided afterwards.
We offer lunch every day that we are open, served around 10:30 a.m.
Our Food Bank runs on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
Our Clothing Closet runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
We offer an evening Food Bank/Clothing Closet on Wednesdays from 6- 8 p.m.
Appointments are required for our evening Food Bank.
Call our office at 519-753-8511 for more information.
Kindness Centre @ Freedom House
The Kindness Centre provides food to those in need. They are a non-profit organization that helps low income families. They offer free assistance with various baby items including cereals and formula. In addition to offering items such as clothing and toys, they offer a pantry food cupboard with non-perishable food items.
Wilfrid Laurier University, Brantford Campus
The Food Bank at Wilfrid Laurier University's Brantford Campus provides non-perishable food items for Laurier students. All Laurier students are eligible to use this service to ensure they're eating healthy when overwhelmed, stressed or financially strained.
Salvation Army Community and Family Services
The Salvation Army Paris Food Bank
25B Dundas Street West
Paris, ON N3L 1E9
Open: Mondays and Thursday 1-3 p.m. Drop-in. Assistance is every 30 days. I.D. required for all members in the household*.
Phone #: 519-442-3432
email: william.ratelband@salvationarmy.ca
The Salvation Army Community and Family Services
33 Diana Avenue
Brantford, ON N3T 0C2
Open: Wednesdays and Fridays 1-4 p.m. By appointment only*. Start taking calls at 9:00 a.m. on the day of food bank. Assistance every 60 days. I.D. required for all members in the household.
Phone #: 519-752-7814
email: william.ratelband@salvationarmy.ca
*You must bring the following to your appointment:- Valid government issued identification for all adults in household (no health cards or SIN cards)
Note: We are a bagless food bank, and we encourage you to bring your own reusable bags.
The Christmas Hamper and Toy Program
This program offers a gift of food (gift cards for Presidents Choice) for people in need at Christmas. The Gift Card allows individuals and families the choice of what foods they would like for their Christmas Dinner. They also receive the choice of a Ham or Turkey.
Individuals with children will receive a large toy, stocking stuffers and knitted items. Children who are 10 and up receive a $20.00 Gift Card. Registration is held in November and part of December. Gift Cards, produce and toys are distributed a week before Christmas.
Soup for the Soul
Soup for the Soul at St. Andrew's United Church provides a meal to anyone in need. They also offer a children's snack closet.
Soup for the Soul gives all people the opportunity to a free, nutritious meal and social support services. They provide a safe, caring and trusting environment that allows people to enjoy their meal in peace.
The hours of operation for Soup for the Soul have changed in response to the COVID-19 Epidemic. They will be servicing take-out style from the Community Centre Door Monday through Thursday at 1:00pm. The children's snack cupboard and lunch program are suspended at this time.
St. Vincent de Paul
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is a lay Catholic organization whose mission is: To live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy.
Need Help?
Volunteers visit with our neighbours in need, usually in their homes, to assess the need, providing emergency assistance in the form of grocery gift cards &/or vouchers for non-perishable food and personal hygiene items, clothing, household items or furniture, to be redeemed at the Thrift Store, 143 Wellington St. (at Clarence), Brantford. During the pandemic, conversations were mostly by telephone, for the safety and comfort of all. We are gradually transitioning back to our preferred method of personal contact, the home visit, where we can best relate to those we serve, determining their needs and how we can meet them.
BL's Little Free Pantry
24/7 Food Pantry
Four locations in Brantford:
Located at 319 Sheridan Street (we are right across the street from bus stop 7)
Located at 347 Fairview Drive
Located at 17 Frank Street
Located at 90 Albion Street