Emergency Food Support Services
Our food support programming enhances equitable access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food.
Full Choice Food Pantry & Community Drop-in Meal Program
Mondays | 10:00am-3:00pm
Emergency Drive-Thru Food Bank
Tuesdays-Thursdays | 10:00am-3:00pm
Full Choice Food Pantry & Community Drop-in Meal Program
We are open Mondays from 10:00am - 3:00pm
The Care Centre is a member agency of the Ottawa Food Bank. We provide emergency food support to the entire Ottawa region through creative partnerships with local businesses like Produce Depot, COBS Bakery and Panera Bread, the help of the Ottawa Food Bank and the support of our donors.
Beyond non-perishable canned food items, guests receive milk, eggs, margarine, meat and bread, along with fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, personal care and household items are also made available. We also provide baby food, formula and diapers and thanks to the support of the Ottawa Humane Society we provide pet food.
What to Expect
When you arrive at the Care Centre, you will check-in with our team and receive a number that we will call when it is your turn to shop the food pantry. As you wait, we have continental style breakfast options and a delicious hot meal to serve you. Various social service agency representatives are on-site during this time to provide helpful information and raise awareness about their services, many focussed on employment, counselling and settlement supports. Once your number is called, you can shop the Full Choice Food Pantry with the help of our Care Team members.
Food Bank Drive-Thru.
We are open Tuesday - Thursday from 10:00am - 3:00pm
Guests arriving by bus or on foot are also welcome! We have non-perishable goods, fresh produce, bread, milk, eggs, and meat available for all guests.
We are committed to offering as much choice as possible. A Care Team member will come out to greet you and take your order. Our friendly volunteers will then pack your Care Boxes and bring them out to you.
What to Expect
When you arrive at the Care Centre, you will see a line of orange pylons guiding you to a large black Care Centre Ottawa canopy. When you reach the front of the line, please remain in your vehicle. If you are arriving by bus or on foot, please line up against the black fence. A Care Team member will come out to greet you. If it is your first visit, they will complete a short intake form with you.
* Please ensure that you bring proof of ID (including address), along with reusable bags when you visit any of our food support programs.