Across Canada, food and clothing banks are reporting increased numbers of households relying on their services. Since access to these services is often divided geographically, we’ve created a quick guide to some of the food banks and clothing banks that are currently accepting new clients in East York, Etobicoke, Mississauga, North York, Scarborough, Central Toronto, Ottawa, and Surrey, BC.
See below for our list of services, including free food delivery programs, free online food ordering, free snowsuits for children, and an interview with a Welcome Group volunteer to talk about two free apps for accessing low-cost food!
Please note that while some clothing and food banks state that they don’t require an appointment, it’s best to contact each organization before visiting in case their policies have changed.
(416) 236-3180
The Mobile Food Bank delivers food to those who are unable to access a food bank due to a permanent or temporary disability. This program provides access to nutritious meals, and safety checks, health status monitoring, and social interactions.
1884 Davenport Road, Toronto / 416-652-7867
With a food bank, a drop-in for takeaway meals, a Good Food Market and Cafe, and more, The Stop provides programming at multiple locations in Toronto.
270 Gerrard Street East / 416 929 9614 x 3200
Yonge Street Mission food bank provides clients with food in a market-like environment. Book an appointment ahead of time. And for those looking for low-cost clothing, Yonge Street Mission also operates Double Take, a second-hand shop in Regent Park.
(416) 203-0050 x 1
New Toronto Street Food Bank is located inside Daily Bread’s distribution facility. The Daily Bread Food Bank can make referrals to food banks throughout East York, and also Etobicoke, downtown Toronto, and Scarborough.
161 Bartley Drive / 416-422-2591
GLOW (Gently Loved Outfits to Wear) is Toronto’s largest free clothing program, offering clean, contemporary clothing in a retail-style setting. GLOW is available to low-income Toronto residents of Cedar Ridge, Heron Park, Rockcliffe-Smythe, Thorncliffe Park, Flemingdon Park, Victoria Village, Taylor-Massey, and Oakridge. Those who do not live in these areas are also able to apply to access the program with a Together Project staff referral.
107 Cedarvale Avenue / 416-467-7664
To access the food bank, clients living within the following postal codes M4B M4C M4E M4L M1N M1L must make an appointment in advance.
191 New Toronto St. Gate 1, Etobicoke / (416) 203-0050 x 1
New Toronto Street Food Bank is located inside Daily Bread’s distribution facility. The Daily Bread Food Bank can make referrals to food banks throughout Etobicoke, East York, downtown Toronto, and Scarborough.
416-243-0127 x 444
For Etobicoke-based clients aged 55 and up, the Mobile Food Bank provides weekly deliveries of food hampers. This service is available to households with the following postal codes: M8W, M8V, M8Z, M8Y.
1533 The Queensway / 416-640-2005
With free back-to-school supplies, Christmas gift baskets, a food bank, and their Haven’s Closet clothing bank, Haven on the Queensway has a variety of services for those in need.
116 Industry Street / 416-635-7771 x 46
With a number of food banks under their jurisdiction, North York Harvest helps clients in North York to find the food bank that is most convenient for them.
161 Bartley Drive / 416-422-2591
GLOW (Gently Loved Outfits to Wear) is Toronto’s largest free clothing program, offering clean, contemporary clothing in a retail-style setting. Call ahead to determine eligibility; clients may need a Together Project staff referral to access the program.
3121 Universal Drive / 905-270-5589
With multiple food banks available, the Mississauga Food Bank has an online food bank locator to help Mississauga clients find the food bank that is closest to them.
100 City Centre Drive, Square One / 905-276-9136 / theopendoor@hotmail.com
Located in the basement of Square One between Hudson’s Bay and BMO, this is Mississauga’s only free clothing bank. It is only open to Mississauga residents. Email to arrange an appointment for pick-up. They have items for adults, children, and babies, including diapers and toiletries.
(416) 203-0050 x 1
New Toronto Street Food Bank is located inside Daily Bread’s distribution facility. The Daily Bread Food Bank can make referrals to food banks throughout Etobicoke, East York, downtown Toronto, and Scarborough.
4630 Kingston Road, Unit 16 / 416-936-3975
Appointments are not necessary, and there is no catchment area for this food bank. Clients can come and pick up food once every six days.
157 Byng Avenue / (416) 936-3975
Scarborough clients can shop online and have their food ready for pick-up at
3300 Danforth (Oakridge Food Bank), 2229 Kingston Road (Cliffside Food Bank), or 741 Kennedy Road (Kennedy Food Bank). Clients register to get a gift card that allows them to pre-select products online. See website for details.
4100 Lawrence Avenue East, Buzzer 293 / 416-847-4147
With take-out meals, market times, and a pre-approved mobility program, SCHC has walk-in services for clients, with no appointments needed. They also have seasonal clothing when available.
1317 Michael Street, Ottawa / 613-745-7001
For residents in the Ottawa region who are looking for a food bank, the Ottawa Food Bank staff can refer them to a convenient location.
100 Malvern Drive, Nepean / 613-825-4505
Located inside of Walter Baker Centre Sports Centre, Barrhaven Food Cupboard is open for pickup of food hampers.
1100 Medford Street, Units 20-22, Ottawa / 613-728-1800
Through Caldwell Family Centre’s Footwear4Kids program, clients can access free clothing, footwear, and household items. Clients can also visit the Clothing Depot for discounted items. They also have a food bank, with delivery services for clients who cannot travel to the centre.
340 Legget Drive, Door #46, Kanata / 613-836-7847
Clients who do not have a means of transportation can arrange for home delivery of food bank items.
225 Donald Street, Unit 134, Ottawa / 613-746-8719
This Ottawa-based charity raises funds for the purchase and distribution of new, quality made snowsuits to needy children aged 15 and under.
The City of Vancouver has created a list of free clothing providers throughout the Vancouver area.
Unit 1 – 13478 78th Ave, Surrey / 604-581-5443
Clients must register in advance. Open depots include Newton, North Delta, Cloverdale, and Guilford. If a registered client cannot visit the food bank due to mobility issues, they may apply for home delivery service.
8066 120th Street, Unit 300, Surrey / 7155 138th Street, Surrey
At all Salvation Army second-hand stores, seniors aged 60+ receive a 10% discount on all regularly-priced items.
5732 Hwy # 7, Units 3 & 4, Woodbridge, ON / (905) 851-2333
This food bank provides 28 days of groceries to clients, and they can choose their own items. Though their selection varies, halal items are often available.
