Here are food resource sites and apps you can use to find or access food support in Nanaimo, Cowichan Valley, and tiwšɛmawtxʷ area. The list includes local food banks, community kitchens, directories and mobile app options.
- VIU student union
Good Food Box (through Nanaimo Food Share), The Breakfast Bar (Stop by for a bowl of cereal and coffee or tea for free, during our office hours from Mon-Fri 9:30am-3:30pm). - VIU Food Security Club
Student led information helping VIU students find free and low-cost food events happening on campus - VIU financial aid, call 250.740.6423.
Offers financial assistance and emergency funding for students facing unexpected financial difficulties, which can help alleviate food insecurity. - Nanaimo area food options PDF sheet
- Loaves & Fishes
Food bank - Nanaimo Foodshare
The Good Food Box - Nanaimo Community Kitchens Society
Offers community cooking programs - Salvation Army, call 250.714.1142
Meal program - Surviving in Nanaimo
Online PDF guide to various supports - Flipp
App to browse local grocery store flyers for current offers - Flashfood
App to browse local grocery stores for short dated and discounted food) - TooGoodToGo
Helps users rescue good food from going to waste, offering great value for money at local stores, cafes and restaurants. - Mid-Island Area Food Resources
Including Parksville, Ladysmith and Port Alberni - Food Banks BC
Find a food bank in your area.
- VIU Cowichan Financial Aid, 250·746·3509
- Cowichan Valley Food Resources
A great resource with many options listed for those in the Cowichan Valley - Food pantry located ground floor of Cowichan Campus
- Cowichan Street Survival Guide 2025 here.
Created by the Cowichan Community Action Team - Flipp
App to browse local grocery store flyers for current offers. - Flashfood
App to browse local grocery stores for short dated and discounted food) - Food Banks BC
Find a food bank in your area
- VIU Financial Aid tiwšɛmawtxʷ call 604.485.2878.
Offers financial assistance and emergency funding for students facing unexpected financial difficulties, which can help alleviate food insecurity. - Community Resource Centre (CRC), call 604.485.0992
Provides free services, such as food, computer access, telephone, tax help, legal services information, referral services and laundry facilities. - Salvation Army, 4500 Joyce,
food available at 12:30 pm until supplies last - Powell River Food Bank, call 604.485.9166
Food hamper once a month. Open Tues to Thurs 10 am to 2 pm. - Danielle’s Helping Hand
Offered by United Way qathet, one-time grants to help low-income individuals and families with emergency expenses (rent, bills, vehicle repairs, health costs, etc.) 604.485.2132 - Food Banks BC
Find a food bank in your area using
About food security
Food security remains a critical issue affecting individuals, families and communities, particularly students who rely on consistent access to nutritious food to support their health and academic success. Rising food costs, limited access to grocery stores and economic instability contribute to food insecurity, forcing many to choose between basic needs such as housing, healthcare and meals. When food needs are unmet, the impacts extend beyond hunger, affecting physical well-being, mental health and educational outcomes. Addressing food security requires coordinated efforts that expand access to healthy food, reduce stigma around seeking assistance, and create sustainable systems that ensure everyone has the resources needed to thrive.