Eating Well on a Budget

Down below are some resources for eating well on a budget. 
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If you would like to share any resources, please submit it below or contact your coach. ​

The Gathering Place Cafeteria
The Gathering Place Cafeteria provides low-cost and healthy meals to all community members. The Cafeteria offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the week.

Hours:
  • Breakfast: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Lunch: 11:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Dinner: 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Location: The Gathering Place, 609 Helmcken St., Vancouver 
Contact Information: 604-665-2391 
Please see website for the current menu and meal prices. 

Marpole Community Food Hub

The Marpole Community Food Hub provides food assistance to the Kerrisdale, Marpole, and Oakridge communities. The distribution program offers free dry goods and fresh produce to individuals in need.

Details:​
  • Dates: Weekly
  • Location: 8680 Hudson St., Vancouver (in St. Augustine's Anglican Church)  
  • Contact information: 604-202-1901, foodhub@staugustinemarpole.com
  • For more information, please visit the website

Little Mountain Food Distribution Program

The Little Mountain Food Distribution Program provides fresh and healthy perishable and non-perishable food at no cost. The Program is limited to individuals who live within the geographic boundary defined by Cambie St to Knight St and 16th Ave to 49th Ave. 

Other programs include:
  • Riley Park Community Garden
  • Yard Garden Harvest Program
  • Community Fridge and Pantry

Please contact the Program for details regarding dates, times, locations, and other details. 

Contact Information: ​​fooddistribution@lmnhs.bc.ca

​Sheway - Food Services

Sheway is a program that provides support to pregnant women and women with infants who are dealing with substance use issues. 

Resources: 
  • Daily hot lunches from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
  • Community Kitchen on Wednesdays
  • Weekly food bags and milk support
  • Nutrition counselling and prenatal vitamins
  • Medical care and wellness supports
  • Counselling and mental health resources
  • Baby food, formula, and other assistance 
  • Access to Dietitians, along with support from a variety of health care workers

Drop-in Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:30am - 3:30pm
Phone Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:30 am - 4:30pm
Email: sheway.sheway@vch.ca
Phone Number: 604-216-1699
Location: 533 E Hastings St

Tuesday Night Food Prep

Join community members on Tuesday nights for a fun night of food prep. Neighbours work together to prepare healthy and nutritious food that is made available to participants in the Community Drop-in the following day.
Dates and Times: Tuesdays, 6:45 - 9:00 pm
Contact Information:
Program Lead: Kelsey cdi@dtesnhouse.ca
Location: DTES Neighbourhood House, 573 East Hastings St., Vancouver

​Aboriginal Front Door Society - Food Bank

AFDS Food Bank
  • Food is provided to residents of the DTES who are in need of assistance
  • Provide wholesome cuisine in a courteous and respectable setting
  • Duty to refer clients to other neighborhood services to promote independence
Hours: Wednesdays
  • AFDS member only: 10:00 - 11:00 am
  • General public: after 11:00 am

Email: info@abfrontdoor.org
Phone Number: 604-697-5662
Location: 384 Main St., Vancouver

Apps & Websites for Finding Food on Sale

Have you considered using technology to help you with finding grocery deals?

There a couple of websites, also available as phone apps, that can help you with this.

Everyone will likely have their own preferences...

Flipp seems to be a bit simpler for more easily viewing this week's store flyers.  

​Evelyne Saller Centre - Cafeteria

Cafeteria at Evelyne Saller Center
  • Open every day of the year, including weekends
  • Serves cooked meals from a daily-changing menu
Costs of Meals
  • Each meal, whether it is breakfast, lunch, or dinner, costs $2.00
  • Additional portions can be purchased for a fee
Payment Options
  • Can be paid for in cash or in advance by funding a client meal account
  • Option for clients receiving social assistance to set up a monthly account through the Ministry of Human Resources
Contact for Questions
  • Center can be contacted between the hours of 9:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
  • To open a food account or ask questions about meal offerings
PROVIDER PROFILE
Hours of operation :
Breakfast 10am - 12pm, Lunch 11am - 3pm, Dinner 3pm - 5:50pm
Email :
evelynesallercentre@vancouver.ca
Phone Number :
604-665-3075
LOCATION
404 Alexander St

​Quest Food Exchange - Food Recovery & Redistribution

Quest Food Exchange Initiative
  • Focuses on distributing high-quality surplus food to those facing food insecurity
  • Aim to provide clients access to healthy, affordable meals in a respectful and welcoming setting
  • Help people make the transition from reliance to independence
Collaboration with Community Partners
  • Collaborate with neighbourhood community resource partners
  • Eligibility: Individuals facing food security challenges in BC

Locations:
  • 2020 Dundas St., Vancouver
    • Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:45 pm
    • Saturday 9:00 am- 3:45 pm
    • Closed Sundays and holidays
    • Phone: 604-602-0186
  • 637 East Hastings St., Vancouver
    • Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    • Saturday 9:00 am- 4:00 pm
    • Closed Sundays and holidays
    • Phone: 604-253-2078
  • 13890 104 Ave., Surrey
    • Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:45 pm
    • Saturday 9:00 am- 3:45 pm
    • Sunday 12:00 - 4:00 pm
    • Phone: 604-588-3476
  • 7753 6th St., Burnaby
    • Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:45 pm
    • Saturday 9:00 am- 3:45 pm
    • Sunday 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
    • Phone: 604-553-0636
  • 167 1st St. East, North Vancouver
    • Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:45 pm
    • Saturday 9:00 am- 3:45 pm
    • Closed Sundays and holidays
    • Phone: 604-566-0110

Email: info@questoutreach.org
Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:45 pm

Kits Cares

Kits Cares is a weekly low-cost food market that addresses food insecurity and loneliness. Please note, the market has a Christian designation.

Location: Redemption Church, 3512 West 7th  Avenue, Vancouver
Dates: Thursdays 
Time: 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
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​Community Lunch Mount Pleasant Neighborhood House

Join a community lunch at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House every Friday. Enjoy amazing food and great company!

Dates and Times: Fridays, 12:00 - 1:45 pm
Location: 800 East Broadway, Vancouver 

Phone: 604.879.8208
Email: info@mpnh.org

Vancouver Community Fridge Project

The Vancouver Community Fridge Project: A decentralized food distribution network and mutual aid initiative providing healthy, free food and essential supplies to lower mainland communities.
  • Combatting Food Insecurity: Our mission focuses on encouraging laterally-directed mutual aid within communities, starting with the provision of free, safe, non-policed, accessible, and nutritious food.
  • Community Fridge and Pantries: We support food distribution through these local resources, ensuring accessibility and promoting community involvement.

Free & Low-Cost Meals and Groceries

​Food Asset Map
  • A Google Map showing locations of free or low-cost meals and groceries in Vancouver
  • Created by Vancouver Coastal Health public health dietitians, Vancouver Neighbourhood Food Networks, UBC Land and Food Systems students and instructors, the City of Vancouver and Fresh Roots
  • Helps to connect individuals with their local community
Highlighting Food Assets
  • Highlight food assets located in local communities
  • Food assets are places where people can grow, prepare, share, buy, receive or learn about food
  • Community organizations and schools are included on the map
  • They provide community members with support with learning and health or connect with others in their community
Easy to Use

  • User-friendly interface
  • A video on how to use the map is available by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom.
  • Encourage to check out resources in your neighbourhood.

​Food Skills Program @ Kitsilano Neighbourhood House

Hands-on Cooking Program
  • Teaches how to shop, prepare, cook, and eat nutritious meals on a budget, while having fun.
Schedule
  • 6 Sessions on Fridays
  • Dates to be announced
Location
  • @ Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
  • 2305 West 7th Ave
Cost
  • The program is $20
  • A membership to Kits House ($10) is also required
Participation
  • Participants must be between the ages of 13-18
  • Parent or legal guardian is required to participate throughout the sessions

Interested? Contact Patricia at 604-736-3588 ext. 128, or by email: patriciap@kitshouse.org

Seniors Supper Club and Seniors Lunch

Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House has a lot of vibrant, active offerings for seniors (55+), all available for browsing at the link below.

Two we'll highlight:
Seniors Lunch
  • Every Tuesday at 12:00-12:30
  • Bingo is available for those interested in playing
  • Cost of the lunch is $4 when using a punch card, which gets you 5 meals
  • $5 for a one time meal ticket
Community Lunch
  • Every Friday
  • Open to anyone of any age group
  • Cost is the same as the Seniors Lunch

Community Potluck
Location: Kitsilano Neighbourhood House,
                 2305 W. 7 Ave., Vancouver, BC

Date:        Third Wednesday of every month, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
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Monthly Community Potlucks
  • Take place the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
  • Location: Living Room (at Kits House, 2305 West 7th Ave)
  • Everyone is welcome, and it is preferred to bring a vegetarian dish to share
During the Potluck
  • Opportunity to get to know fellow community members
  • Board games will be available for those interested
Facebook Group
  • Join the Facebook group via the button provided.

UBC Food Bank

The UBC Foodbank provides free perishable and non-perishable food items, hygiene products, and other resources to UBC students and staff in need.

Details:
  • Must show a valid UBC ID, but no registration is necessary
  • Additional resources for families
  • Students can use the food bank up to 16 times per term
  • Bring your own reusable bags

Hours: Mondays and Thursdays from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: LIFE 0023,  Old Student Union Building, UBC Main Campus 
Cost: Free

Check out Sprouts for more low-cost food at UBC.

Community Lunches at Gordon Neighbourhood House

Community Lunches at Gordon Neighbourhood House
  • An opportunity for community members to enjoy a meal together, meet new people, and catch up with friends in a casual environment

​Meatless Mondays:
  • Enjoy a $3 vegetarian meal
  • Coffee and tea is also served​

Wednesday and Friday Lunches
  • Delicious three course menu prepared by Chef Atticus, including soup/salad, a main course, and dessert
  • Coffee and tea also served
  • Cost is $6 per person
  • Sign up for the e-newsletter to receive updated menus
Hours: 
Doors open at 11:30 am, lunch is served at 12:00 pm

To reserve a spot and for menu details, please call the  front desk at 604-683-2554. More information is also available by email at welcome@gordonhouse.org.

Good and Cheap - Online Cook Book

Leanne Brown's Book
  • Designed to create satisfying food that doesn’t require supplementing meals with cheap carbohydrates to stave off hunger
  • Recipes are available online for free
  • Recipes in the book are about eating well on $4/ day​
  • Wide variety of dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options

Eating on a limited budget
  • Seeks to make it easier to eat on a budget, especially when tough weeks can turn mealtime into a chore
  • Hope the recipes and techniques in this book can help make those times rare and the tough choices a little more bearable​
Other Internet sites to consider: