Free Food Market Information

Do you need food but not sure where to start or how the process works?
Here is where you will find all of the information you need for your first visit.

How to register

To register, you need to bring one piece of government issued ID for each person in your household you want to collect food for. You will be required to re-register every 6 months.

A photocopy of ID is acceptable - photos on phones are not acceptable. 

*You do not need to provide proof of address or income to access food*

Please note: We only ask if you have an address, and what type of income you receive, if any, when you first register. These general statistics allow us to advocate for our services and your personal information is kept strictly confidential. 

What is considered acceptable government issued ID?

  • Drivers License or Health Care Card

  • BCID or BC Services Card 

  • Social Insurance Number Card

  • First Nations Status Card

  • Birth Certificate or Birth Bracelet

  • Passport, Permanent Residency Papers or Visa Documents

  • City Issued Bus Pass or Recreation Pass

  • Corrections Card

What if I don't have government issued ID?

We can only serve food 3 times in a 6 month period without ID.

In Nanaimo, visit the Service BC office at 460 Selby Street for help obtaining identification.

What if I can't make it to a Free Food Market?

If you and your household are already registered, you make give your original or photocopied government issued ID to someone else to collect food for you (a "3rd Party Pickup"). Those collecting food for you must also show their own original or photocopied government issued ID as well. Photos on phones are not accepted. 

Food offered

Our Free Food Markets operate using a shopping model so you will be able to choose your own food from the items available.

Fresh Eats Hamper: Produce and bread (available each day a free food market is open)

Full Hamper: Produce, bread various canned and packaged goods, frozen meat, dairy and deli items (available every 2 weeks)

Amounts of food vary based on what has been donated to or sourced by Loaves & Fishes. Our goal is to provide each household with 2 - 3 days worth of food in the Full Hamper and an abundance of fresh produce and bread with the Fresh Eats Hampers.