Require emergency food support?
The City of Vancouver online map of free and low-cost food programs. You can also access a printable copy, and translated versions from the City (scroll down to the “Access Free and Low Cost Food” button).
Quest Food Exchange Free membership with a variety of low-cost items for sale. If you require a referral email food@kiwassa.ca with your first and last name and which Quest location you would like to pick up your member card from.
Residents of the Hastings Sunrise neighbourhood, including the area north of Hastings and East of Commercial Drive (see map below), can contact Kiwassa for an emergency food hamper. This program can be accessed once a month and depends on availability. Hampers must be requested by calling 604-254-5401 or by emailing: food@kiwassa.ca and we will confirm a time you can pick it up.
Check out our other food programs for some free and low cost options.
COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a public health emergency Kiwassa began operating a temporary, emergency food hamper, home delivery program. The program was primarily available to seniors and those with compromised immune systems or who are chronically ill and potentially faced more severe impacts from a COVID-19 infection. Priority was also given to newcomers, Indigenous, single parents / caregivers, low-income individuals and families, those experiencing homelessness, and underemployed and unemployed residents of the neighbourhood.
This effort involved staff support from all of Kiwassa’s programs, countless hours of work from 50+ volunteers, and the generous food and financial support of many restaurants, organizations, individuals, businesses, and charities. In the 15 months which followed the public health emergency declaration, this collaborative community effort packed and delivered 6015 food hampers and another 6250 ready-to-eat meals to 500 households, representing 1500 individuals. In addition to fresh produce, meat, dairy, eggs, and a variety of pantry staples, we distributed approximately $50,000 in grocery store gift cards.
The program was generously supported by:
Community Food Centres Canada’s “Good Food Access Fund” and the Government of Canada | The United Way of the Lower Mainland | Food Banks BC | Bosa Family Foundation | Breakfast Clubs of Canada | Greater Vancouver Food Bank
With additional in-kind support from:
HandyDART | Tayybeh: A Celebration of Syrian Cuisine | Vancouver Soup Company | Giustra Foundation, Savoury Chef, and Food Runners | Instant Imprints | Hudson Pacific Properties | Routific| Vancouver Neighbourhood Food Networks | Vancouver Foundation
It was all made possible thanks to the dozens of dedicated volunteers, who even in the early days of the pandemic when so much was unknown, ventured out to bake the treats, pack the produce, and deliver the hampers. THANK YOU!!!