Guides

Plain answers to the hard questions

How Ottawa’s food banks work, where to eat on evenings and weekends, and money you may be entitled to. Every fact links to its source.

Food banks
Using a food bank in Ottawa for the first time
How Ottawa food banks work: which one serves you, what to bring, how often you can go, and what to do if you have no ID or no address.
Meals
Free meals on weekends and evenings in Ottawa
Where to get a free meal in Ottawa on Saturday, Sunday and after 5 p.m., from each program’s own published schedule.
Get help
211: a free phone line for food and other help
What 211 Ontario is, how to call, text or chat, and when it helps more than a website.
Benefits
Money that helps with food: benefits you may be missing
Ontario and federal benefits that put money toward groceries — who qualifies and how to get them. Most only need you to file your taxes.
Students
Food help for college and university students in Ottawa
Campus food banks at uOttawa, Carleton and Algonquin: hours, what to bring and how often you can go.
Seniors and families
Food help for seniors, babies and families in Ottawa
Meals on Wheels, seniors’ lunches, baby cupboards with formula and diapers, and family food programs in Ottawa.
Newcomers
Food help for newcomers and refugees in Ottawa
How newcomers, refugees and refugee claimants can get food in Ottawa, and where to get help in your language.
Everyday
Eating well on a tight budget
Practical ways to stretch a grocery budget, from Canada’s Food Guide, plus where to buy fresh food for less in Ottawa.
Right now
If you need help right now
Emergency and crisis numbers for Ottawa, and the places that serve a meal every day of the year.