Do I need ID to use a food bank in Nova Scotia?

It depends on the location. Many food banks require basic photo ID and proof of address for hampers. However, free meal programs like Souls Harbour, Hope Cottage, and Brunswick Street Mission require no ID at all.

How often can I use a food bank in Nova Scotia?

Most food banks allow visits once per month for food hampers. Free meal programs can be used daily. Contact your local food bank or call 211 for specific rules.

Where is the nearest food bank to me in Nova Scotia?

Visit feednovascotia.ca/find-food to search by location, or call 211 (available 24/7) to be connected to the nearest food resource.

Food Banks & Free Meals in Nova Scotia: Where to Get Help With Food

Where to Get Food Help in Nova Scotia

No one should go hungry. Nova Scotia has food banks, free meal programs, and community fridges in every region of the province. Most require little or no documentation.

Province-Wide: Feed Nova Scotia

Feed Nova Scotia coordinates over 140 member food banks and meal programs across the province. Visit feednovascotia.ca/find-food to locate the closest food bank to you, or call 902-457-1900.

Halifax Regional Municipality

Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank — 902-453-4886. Emergency food hampers for HRM residents. Bring photo ID and proof of address.
Souls Harbour Rescue Mission — 902-423-9331. Hot meals Monday–Saturday, no ID required.
Hope Cottage — 902-429-7968. Free hot lunch served daily.
Brunswick Street Mission — 902-423-4605. Community meals multiple times per week, no registration.
Halifax Community Fridge Network — Free-access fridges across Halifax. Take what you need, no questions asked. Locations on Instagram @hfxcommunityfridge.

Cape Breton

Multiple food banks including Every Woman's Centre Food Bank (Sydney — 902-567-1503), Glace Bay Food Bank, New Waterford Food Bank, and North Sydney Food Bank. Find your nearest at feednovascotia.ca/find-food.

Annapolis Valley

Upper Room Food Bank (Kentville), Wolfville Area Food Bank, Kingston & District Food Bank, and Berwick Food Bank. All are Feed Nova Scotia members.

South Shore

Food banks in Lunenburg County, Queens County (Liverpool), and the Shelburne area. Visit feednovascotia.ca/find-food for hours and locations.

The Salvation Army

Emergency food hampers and community meals at locations in Halifax, Dartmouth, Sydney, Truro, Yarmouth, and New Glasgow. Call 902-422-2363 for your nearest location.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Call 211 (24/7) to be connected to food resources near you. You can also text 211 or visit ns.211.ca.