Need Food Support?

First off, we want you to know you are welcome here. There is no shame in needing support, and we are here to help!

Simply visit during either of our two weekly food distribution times and enter using the front door of the building. You will be greeted by a staff member who is responsible for intake. Let them know that it is your first time using the food bank, and they will register you and explain the program.

A household is eligible to visit the food bank up to two times per month. There must be 11 full days between your last hamper and your next visit. Hampers include fresh and non-perishable food items, toiletries, and baby formula. We often have diapers and pet food available as well. The quantity of food in your hamper is determined by the number of people in your household and limits change based on the supply of food we have available.

Tuesdays 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Thursdays 9:30am - 1:00pm

The Golden Food Bank does not require you to share information about your income, knowing there are many reasons someone may need to access a food bank. You will be asked to show I.D. for all members of your household and proof that you live in Golden or Area A. Our intake form will collect some other information that helps us understand your needs and access funding, but you have the choice to not share any information you don’t want to.

When you first sign up for the program, you will be asked to show I.D. for all members of your household and proof that you live in Golden or Area A. This can be a driver’s license, provincial ID card, tenancy agreement, employment contract, or a letter addressed to you at a local address.

If you are currently experiencing homelessness or are unable to provide proof of residency due to a recent move, a staff member will assist you.

Our customer-choice shopping system allows you to select the products best suited to your needs and preferences, much like you would in a grocery store. Products depend on availablity but generally we have:

• Canned, jarred, and boxed goods

• Fresh produce

• Dairy

• Meat

• Cereals

• Snacks

• Baby food

• Toiletries

• Diapers

• Pet food

Our food selection area is set up with a one-way traffic flow, with item limits posted on each shelf, as well as on the fridges and freezers. Item limits change based on food supply, and it is important to follow the limits for the week based on your household size. If you are ever unsure about how much food you can take, please talk to a staff member or volunteer.

We do our best to provide alternatives to individuals with various dietary needs. We regularly have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free products available. People with dietary restrictions may speak to a staff member or volunteer about taking different items. For example, if you are a vegetarian you may want to take more canned goods or produce instead of taking meat.

Any special requests are fulfilled subject to availability.

Absolutely, we have a few options depending on your situation. You can send a friend of family member to pick up a food hamper for you, we just ask that you call ahead to let us know.

We also offer delivery services to those who are unable to access our services due to temporary or permanent transportation or mobility barriers. Please contact the Food Bank at 250.344.2113 if you are not able to shop in person, and we will arrange for a food hamper to be delivered to your address.

Individuals who meet the following criteria can sign up for recurring food hamper delivery, where a hamper is packed and delivered to your address every other Wednesday:

• No access to a vehicle or transportation of any kind

• Senior citizens aged 65+

• A physical disability or chronic illness that makes it difficult to shop in person

• Single, new or expecting mothers or caregivers who are homebound or without access to transportation

• Have no adult-aged household member or friend who is able to visit the food bank on your behalf

If you meet one or more criteria, contact us by calling 250.344.2113 or emailing info@goldenfoodbank.ca to sign up. We’ll reach out from time to time to ensure you still require delivery services and that your requirements and preferences are up to date.

Our monthly visit limit for the shopping area helps ensure everyone who needs our help has equal access to support.

However, emergency food may be available if you have already received your two hampers for the month. Emergency hampers are prepared by staff based on available inventory.

Please feel free to contact us with any other questions you may have at 250.344.2113. If no one answers, please leave a message and someone will contact you as soon as they can. Alternatively, you can email us at info@goldenfoodbank.ca.