Burlington Community & Family Services - Food Bank
| 1800 Appleby Line, Burlington (Click Button at Left for directions) Open Monday to Thursday 9:00AM to 11:45AM (Appointments Available from 1:00-4:00PM Monday - Thursday) |
How do I get food from the food bank?
You will come to the food bank at 1800 Appleby Line, Unit 14 in Burlington on Monday to Thursday, 9:00AM to 12:00AM. You do not need an appointment, and can simply walk-in during operating hours.
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What happens at the food bank when I come?
We will invite you into our office for a brief interview where we will ask you for some information and identification. During the interview, we are looking for ways to help you including:
giving you information about other services available to you, such as where to get clothing, shelter, how to apply for housing etc.
being your advocate - helping you with other agencies and the government to get the assistance you need and qualify for
coaching - advice on how to save and manage money, help applying for benefits etc.
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Generally once a month, however we do make exceptions depending on your circumstances and needs. You can talk this over with one of our intake officers during your visit.
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What if I have an emergency or special needs?
Call us 905-637-3893 and we will do whatever we can to help you based on your needs. Sometimes we are able to connect you with our partners for special needs like bedding or eyeglasses.
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We expect the following from our clients:
To provide identification each visit
To provide confirmation of monthly income and expenses as requested by the intake officer
To remain in the waiting room until called so that we can provide each client with a private consultation
To take only the food and items allotted to you (signs are posted with limits on some items such as cereals and pizza)
To come only as often as you need to and agreed upon with the intake officer
To leave shopping carts and buggies in the waiting area (or just inside the door) until you are finished
To leave pets outside
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Who qualifies for food from the food bank?
The food bank services are open to anyone in need and that is why we are in the community. Some of our criteria is:
Are you a Burlington resident...if not we can help you access food banks in other communities
Do you have a genuine need for our services. We will never turn anyone away if they are hungry, however we do look at the reasons why clients need our services and will often advise clients how to make better use of the resources available to them.
Are you currently using other food bank and if so, how much food from the combined services do you really need?
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What information do you need from me?
Click here for a copy of the intake form we use. You will need Adobe Acrobat reader which you can download here.
We require the following information:
Full name and address of you and everyone in your household
Birth dates, marital status and gender of everyone in your household
Your telephone number
Your income and expenses
Your social worker's name (if applicable)
Who referred you to us (if applicable)
Identification and information to support your application (information you don't have with you can be brought in next visit)
In addition we will ask you several other questions to get a clear picture of your needs so that we can help you with food and other services.
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Can I use any other food bank too?
There are two full time food banks in Burlington and limited food supplies and we ask that you use one or the other. There are also a number of Churches etc. who have food programs and it is OK to use them if you need to.
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Food is allotted to each person or family based on the amount of food we have available and how much your need is at the time of your visit. We provide you with two or more grocery bags which you can fill. Large items such as cereal boxes and pizzas that won't fit into the grocery bags can be taken separately subject to the limits on those items. Food may not be put into grocery carts, buggies, knapsacks etc. until you are ready to leave the food bank.
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What kind of food do you have?
This varies from visit to visit, but usually includes bread and baked goods, rice and cereals, drinks, and canned goods. In addition we have limited supplies of diapers, formula and personal hygiene products.
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Can I get milk, meat or dairy products?
We are unable to keep any perishable food on site. In some cases (such as people requiring special diets, or families with very young children) we can help with food vouchers, if we have the funds available.
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Sometimes we have some clothing, books, strollers etc. If you need clothing, we suggest you also look at the Thrift Store.
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We get our food through the generosity of individuals, organizations and businesses in the Burlington community.