Need food?We can help.

We provide food assistance to all Kanata individuals and families in need. Learn more below.

Need food?

We offer two main ways to receive food assistance:

  • by visiting our warehouse for in-person shopping, or
  • by receiving a pre-packed food hamper via pick up or delivery.

If you have any questions about our services after reading the information below, we invite you to email Kaitlyn, our Client and Community Outreach Coordinator, at kaitlyn.lalonde@kanatafoodcupboard.ca

Proof of residency

To receive assistance, you must live within Kanata and reach out to our team. Individuals and families must be able to provide proof of Kanata residency at each visit or delivery. Individuals must be able to provide proof of Kanata residency at each visit/delivery by presenting two pieces of identification.

  • One piece of identification must be government-issued and contain your photo, such as a driver’s license or passport.
  • The second piece of identification must be a recent bill/invoice (dated within the last 1–2 months) that contains your residential address.

If you live in Ottawa rather than Kanata, you can call the City of Ottawa at 3-1-1 or visit the Ottawa Food Bank’s “Get Food” map to be directed to your local food assistance agency.

In-person shopping

In-person shopping

At your scheduled appointment time:

Please arrive at 1240 Teron Rd, Unit 3 on time for your appointment and park in one of the spots available in front of the building.

  • Ring the doorbell to let our team know you have arrived.
  • Our volunteers will greet you and check your two pieces of ID. One piece of identification must be government-issued and contain your photo, such as a driver’s license or passport. The second piece of identification must be a recent bill/invoice (dated within the last 1–2 months) that contains your residential address.
  • You will be paired with a volunteer to assist you as you shop for your family.
  • You are encouraged to pack your groceries into your shopping bags as you shop.
  • Please remember to bring your own shopping bags.
  • Once you are finished shopping, you will bring the items to your vehicle and load them yourself. Please let our team know if you need assistance loading your vehicle due to medical or mobility concerns.

Food hamper

What’s in a food hamper?

Your hamper is customized based on the number of adults, children, and infants in your home.

Depending on availability, a typical hamper will contain a variety of perishable and non-perishable food items such as pasta, rice, cereal, fresh fruits and vegetables, and protein and dairy choices.

You will be able to choose from available fresh food items when scheduling your pickup or delivery. You can fully customize your food hamper by completing an online form that can be emailed to you by request. Alternatively, you can receive a standardized pre-packed food hamper. Your hamper may include bonus items.

Volunteers will try their best to take dietary needs into consideration, so please provide any such details when booking your appointment, but do note that we simply cannot accommodate all dietary requests.

Food hamper home delivery

Delivery is available only on Tuesday evenings, and is reserved for families without regular means of transportation to and from our location.

  • To schedule a delivery, please call our Client Appointment Booking line at 613-836-7847 on Monday or Tuesday 9:00 AM–1:00 PM.

  • If you have chosen to customize your order, the custom order form must be submitted no later than 11am Tuesday morning to allow time for packing your order.

  • Our delivery volunteers will bring the hamper to your front step, please ensure your walkway is clear, all pets are contained, and an outdoor light is on for visibility.
  • Our volunteers will greet you and check your two pieces of ID. One piece of identification must be government-issued and contain your photo, such as a driver’s license or passport. The second piece of identification must be a recent bill/invoice (dated within the last 1–2 months) that contains your residential address.

Food hamper curbside pick-up

Please arrive at 1240 Teron Rd, Unit 3 on time for your appointment and park in front of the building.

  • Turn off your vehicle and remain inside. We recommend that your trunk is empty.
  • Our volunteers will come to your car window and check your two pieces of ID. One piece of identification must be government-issued and contain your photo, such as a driver’s license or passport. The second piece of identification must be a recent bill/invoice (dated within the last 1–2 months) that contains your residential address.
  • We will bring out your food hamper order in a cart. The cart will be placed beside your car for you to load the items into your own bags and totes. Please remember to bring your own shopping bags.
  • Please let our team know if you need assistance loading your bags into your vehicle due to medical or mobility concerns.
  • We are unable to lend out the large storage totes used to prepare your food hamper. Our team will collect your cart and totes after you've finished.

Book an appointment

Food assistance is offered by appointment only, please schedule your visit in advance.

Your visit will take place at 1240 Teron Rd, Unit 3.

To schedule an appointment:

Please call our Client Appointment Booking line at 613-836-7847, available Monday to Friday between 9:00 AM–1:00 PM.

Appointments are available Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons and evenings, as well as Friday evenings.

Deliveries are available only on Tuesday evenings.

Please do not leave a voicemail message to schedule an appointment.

If the phone line appears busy during booking hours, it means that our team is on the line assisting another family. We ask that you please try calling back again.

Privileges, responsibilities,
and refusal of service

Please read the following sections before requesting a hamper

Kanata Food Cupboard responsibilities
The Kanata Food Cupboard has the following responsibilities to our clients:

  1. To serve our clients with dignity and respect;
  2. To serve our clients based on need and no other criteria;
  3. To serve our clients regardless of race, sex, sexual preference, religion, disability, or source of income;
  4. To keep any personal information that is provided to us by our clients private and confidential;
  5. To serve our clients equitably in relation to others who make use of the Kanata Food Cupboard;
  6. To provide our clients with information regarding community services and other community providers;
  7. To ask our clients for consent when asking any personal data beyond basic information.
Client responsibilities
Those clients served by the Kanata Food Cupboard have the following responsibilities:

  1. To be courteous and polite;
  2. To provide identification for the primary household member in accordance with the Kanata Food Cupboard’s guidelines;
  3. To provide accurate information requested by the Kanata Food Cupboard within the guidelines of privacy and confidentiality;
  4. To abide by the policies and procedures of the Kanata Food Cupboard;
  5. To inform the Kanata Food Cupboard of any changes in personal status;
  6. To refrain from calling staff and volunteers outside of the Kanata Food Cupboard hours;
  7. To ask volunteers or staff to perform only those tasks that have been requested or approved by the Kanata Food Cupboard.
Refusal of service
An individual or family served by the Kanata Food Cupboard may be refused service if they:

  1. Are not a resident of Kanata;
  2. Are unable or unwilling to fulfill the responsibilities outlined above;
  3. Are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs while attempting to be served;
  4. Are threatening or are verbally or physically abusive to staff, volunteers, or Board members or other clients;
  5. Are found to be selling food that was provided by the Kanata Food Cupboard;
  6. Have provided false information to the Kanata Food Cupboard.

Frequently asked questions

Who do you provide services to?
The Kanata Food Cupboard provides services to all individuals and families in Kanata regardless of race, ethnicity, ability, age, sexual orientation, income, or religion.
Do I need to provide proof of residency?
Individuals must be able to provide proof of Kanata residency at each visit/delivery by presenting two pieces of identification.
  • One piece of identification must be government-issued and contain your photo, such as a driver’s license or passport.
  • The second piece of identification must be a recent bill/invoice (dated within the last 1–2 months) that contains your residential address.
Do I need to show proof of my income?
The Kanata Food Cupboard does not need proof of your income or expenses. We have no means testing, meaning you do not need to show any personal financial details to us at any time.
Is there a cost to get food assistance?
Food assistance is provided completely free of charge. Delivery services are also provided free of charge
How often can I receive food?
You are eligible to receive food assistance once every 30 days for however long your circumstances require. Periodic exceptions may be made if you require food assistance in less than 30 days.
Do I need to make an appointment?
All food assistance is provided by appointment only. Please schedule your visit in advance by calling our Client Appointment Booking line Monday to Friday between 9am and 12pm (noon) at 613-836-7847.
Where are you located?
We are located at 1240 Teron Rd, Unit 3,
Are there any local bus routes near your location?
Several OC Transpo bus routes stop near our location, including the 63, 64, and 110 on March Rd., and the 166 a little further down Teron. Please note that the volume of food given is more than is usually able to be transported home on public transport. If families do not have access to a vehicle, we offer deliveries on Tuesday evenings.
Can you assist me to schedule an appointment in French?
Absolutely! Kaitlyn, our Client and Community Outreach Coordinator, can assist you in French, along with several of our Client Appointment Booking team members.
Is your location wheelchair accessible?
Our location is fully wheelchair accessible. Please let our volunteers know if you need assistance with any tasks, such as loading groceries into your vehicle or reaching items on shelves, and we’d be happy to assist.