Searching for Free / Low-cost Meals

Breakfast and lunch program

• lunch served to children and adults
• breakfast for school-children during the school year
• lunch bag pick up before going to school during the school year

COVID-19 (September 3, 2021): Due to COVID19, the Foster Farm Food Bank is running on an appointment-only basis until further notice. Call 613-596-4866 to make an appointment. All other programs are on hold until further notice.

Community house offering a variety of services and activities

• afterschool programs (October - December 2021, Tuesdays 4:30 pm-8:30 pm)
• computer access (only for after school programming)
• baby closet items available (by appointment only)
• referrals for other resources
• food bank (by appointment only)
• virtual programs
• seasonal social and recreational activities

Call for more details

COVID-19 (3 September 2021): Due to COVID19, the Pinecrest Terrace Food Bank is running on an appointment-only basis until further notice. Call 613-596-6703 to make an appointment. All other programs are on hold until further notice.

Offers free social, educational and recreational programs to its residents and those in the surrounding area

Children's Programs:
Kids Club (grades 1 to 6) Summer and after school:

• homework help
• cooperative games
• healthy food instruction
• crafts, sports and physical activities
• indoor and outdoor recreation
• science and technology program
• team building activities
• field trips

Youth Programming (grades 6 to 9):

• social recreation, social skills development and leadership skills.

United Sisters: weekly recreational group for girls (ages 10-15)

• develop the skills to be confident, independent, and active members of their communities
• arts and crafts, games, movies, cooking, workshops and special outings
• activities change from week to week
• make friends and share amazing experiences

Snack-e-Sac:

• lunch bag program that runs twice weekly
• children going to school are provided with snack filled lunch bags

I Love to Programs:

• programs offered depending on funding include I Love to Skate * I Love to Swim * I Love to Play Soccer * I Love to Dance

ELF: English literacy development program

• child mentorship in literacy
• each child works at their own pace to improve their literacy skills
• weekly program
• children receive personalized help with reading and writing
• lessons are specialized to the child's skill level and learning needs

Adult Services:
Adult Art Projects: Offers an adult art project led by a professional artist

• offered at various times throughout the year
• adults in the community work together to create artwork
• artwork is displayed permanently in the community
• no experience necessary to participate

Tenant Circle: meeting each month with the tenants to discuss issues important to the community

• share ideas and plan together
• offers a space for community members to become active in planning and carrying out community events
• work together to identify and address community concerns

Collective Kitchen:

• offered periodically: adults from the community come together at the community house to make a home cooked meal

Community Garden Group:

• tenants from Pinecrest Terrace can produce food collectively in Community Garden

Other Services::
Computer Drop-in:

• open throughout the week for people in the community to use the computers and access the internet
• those interested are able to receive help with employment services such as resume and cover letter writing

Food Bank:

• open three times a week
• halal meat is available
• services users are expected to be served once a month

Referrals:

• provides referrals to the Caring and Sharing Foundation during the Holiday Season in December and in July/August for the backpack program
• staff are also able to make a variety of referrals based on individual needs

Special Events:

• every year the organization organizes Canada Day celebrations in the community, Spring Cleaning, Community BBQ, and Summer and Winter Holiday Parties

Community Garden:

• available for tenants who live in the Pinecrest Terrace neighbourhood.

Contact us for more information

COVID-19 (9 Nov 2022) Pandemic protocols still followed: Masks must be worn inside the buildings; controls on the number of people in side; takeout meals only until further notice.

Family Centre and food bank

• food assistance to low-income families and individuals

Core programming includes

• adult drop-in
• week day breakfast and lunch
• computer with Internet access
• retail employment readiness programs
• community kitchen
• after-school programs for youth 6-14 years old
• clothing depot and clothing assistance

Interfaith Ministry

Services

• spiritual presence and pastoral care
• pastoral visiting
• counselling
• crisis response
• advocacy
• monthly community dinners and brunches
• support groups
• arts programs
• volunteer activities
• music lessons
• cooking workshops

Drop-in program provided five days a week, with coffee, tea, and healthy snack

• offered every weekday morning except for holidays and special meetings

Community meals

• fruit, sandwiches
• individually packaged leftovers, if available, are offered to the guests

Social activity

• offers coffee and a light breakfast

Hot soup event

COVID-19 (6 Nov 2020): Take-out and sit down meals are available. In order to respect the social distancing guidelines, sit down meals will be limited to a 30 minutes period per patron while enjoying their lunch. Face covering and hand sanitizing required.

This information is regularly updated on their Facebook page.

Provides a meal programs for those in need

• delivered in partnership with The Well/La Source
• fresh hot meals
• fresh salads
• coffee and tea
• sit-down meal, but may bring their own container to bring food home

COVID-19 (April 14, 2020): Free store program will operate as a take out style * garden space is operating with limited access to active collective members * this information is regularly updated on their Facebook page

Community kitchen providing free vegan meals and other social justice services to Carleton University and the wider Ottawa community

Volunteers deliver hot noon meals

• frozen meals available
  • clients are encouraged to switch from daily hot meal delivery to frozen meals in bulk
  • for those who cannot manage heating up frozen meals, hot meals will be provided)
  • it is also recommended that clients order additional frozen meals in bulk to reduce the frequency of deliveries
• Saturday deliveries available
• service on a short-term or long-term basis

Food service

• healthy meals
• fish and chicken are always an alternate to the daily menu
• beverages, muffins, sandwiches, snacks, and desserts are available
• lunch (soup, sandwiches, a hot lunch) is available

Provides opportunities for individuals to participate in social, recreational,educational and volunteer activities and benefit from social and health services

Programs:

• day centre activities
• Adult Day Program
• Community support services
• Seniors' Centre Without Walls (telephone-based programming)

Food Services:

• reasonably priced meals
• nutritious hot lunches, soup and sandwiches, muffins, desserts, snacks, beverages
• take-out meals
• festive and theme dinner parties
• some diet restrictions can be accommodated
• grocery shopping/food delivery

Physical Activities:

• chair exercise
• fitness centre
• yoga
• dance classes
• well-being classes
• weights or cardio
• zumba
• pole walking

In House Services:

• hair salon
• foot care
• massage therapy
• esthetics
• wellness clinic

Craft Program:

• painting
• quilting
• stained glass
• knitting
• crochet
• jewellery making
• woodworking

Performing Arts:

• choir
• choir chimes
• performing groups and bands
• home of the Grey Jazz Band

Education and Health Program:

• computer classes
• current affairs
• language classes
• wellness seminars
• guest lecturers
• day trips

Games and Social Program:

• cards
• dance
• sing along
• monthly birthday party
• special events and teas
• bingo

Fitness Programs:

• for adults regardless of fitness level, mobility or agility and for persons who suffer from osteoporosis, arthritis, or other muscular or cardiovascular conditions

Saturday evening meals

• regular and vegetarian menu options
• opportunity to socialize
• children are welcome

COVID-19 (11 Apr 2022): This information is regularly updated on their Facebook page.

Provides short term and long term emotional, social and psychological benefits

Services

• practical support
• personal support
• volunteer opportunities
• computer access
• community fridge

COVID-19 (6 Nov 2020): Take-out and sit down meals are available. In order to respect the social distancing guidelines, only 20 patrons will be allowed to sit down for a limited 30 minutes period while enjoying their breakfast. Face covering and hand sanitizing required.

This information is regularly updated on their Facebook page.

Provides a meal program for those in need

• fresh hot meals
• fresh salads
• coffee and tea
• sit-down meal, but may bring their own container to bring food home

COVID-19 (13 Sept 2021) Food bank still open. Visit the Facebook page for additional information.

Social enterprise, community hub, and second hand store

• selling donated antiques, oddities, retro items and housewares
• profits are used to assist vulnerable individuals in the community

Services include:

• furniture bank
• household items
• community pantry (food, prepared meals, pet supplies, hygiene and personal care items, laundry and cleaning supplies, etc.)
• homeless advocacy
• harm reduction
• referrals to services
• advocacy

Christian interdenominational charity serving those experiencing poverty and homelessness in downtown Ottawa

Tuesday Door Service

• takeaway soup and sandwiches
• takeaway grocery hampers
• takeaway toiletries, including menstruation supplies
• pastoral care

Street Outreach

• seven evenings and one afternoon of mobile outreach downtown, providing emergency provisions and care

Innercity Arts Program

• for homeless and at-risk youth and young adults, 16-32 years old

Innercity Veterans Outreach and Support

• drop-in and support for homeless and at-risk veterans
• access to resources and literature
• phone and computer
• individualized support
• recreational activities
• refreshments

Various special events and community meals

COVID-19 (12 November, 2021): Provides essential supports to the community during Ontario's stay-at-home order. Hours and services remain unchanged. Call you have any questions.

This information is regularly updated on their Facebook page.

Drop-in centre for men and women located in Centretown

• supportive counselling
• crisis intervention
• advocacy
• free condoms and SITE supplies (needle exchange, Safe Inhalation)
• hygiene supplies, including menstruation supplies
• emergency telephone
• coffee and tea served
• free WIFI
• recreational activities
• light meals

Drop-in services on the 2nd level of Centretown United Church are NOT ACCESSIBLE. Take-out or Dine in options available to each walk-in during meal times.

Information and resource centre for homeless youth

• weekly visits from outreach workers (mental health nurses, drop-in counselling)
• employment supports every Thursday
• hot breakfast every morning
• referrals to outside community supports (ID, mental health, shelters, housing etc.)
• up to ten items a week from the food bank (excluding baby supplies)
• clothing, harm reduction and personal care products

Drop-in and community meal program * opportunities to play cards, socialize

A supportive and inclusive community where women gather to connect and build on their strengths

• delivers programs that support women in meeting their basic needs, making their life choices and participating in their community

Drop-in day program for women with their children of all ages

• peer, personal and group support
• advocacy
• outreach
• crisis intervention
• free light breakfast (8 am-10 am) and nutritious hot lunch (12 noon-1 pm)
• social, recreational and educational programs
• personal hygiene products and other practical supports
• Internet access

This information was obtained from and is regularly updated on their Facebook page.

Seasonal publications

Active Publications:

• List of Free Easter Meals 2023
• List of Out-of-the-Cold Programs, Free Meals, Snacks and Drop-Ins (2022-2023)

Archived Publications:

• Holiday Meals (2022)
• ​List of Free Thanksgiving Meals 2022

COVID-19 (15 Nov 2022): Will be offering both in-person and take-out meals until further notice.

Community meals

Downtown Services and Drop-In (DSDI) is open.

Services:

• support services and drop-in for youth
• crisis and individual short-term supportive counselling
• laundry facilities, showers, housing, and trusteeship services
• access to computers with internet access and telephones
• health clinic with a multidisciplinary health team
• outreach and needle exchange programs

Issues addressed:

• poverty
• abuse
• health care
• employment
• school
• substance abuse
• sexual orientation
• loss