Here are food resource sites and apps you can use to find or access food support in Nanaimo, Cowichan Valley, and tiwšɛmawtxʷ area, including 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
- giveameal@viu.ca - Students struggling with affording enough to eat can request $20 deposits placed on their Student ID cards to spend on food at VIU cafeterias.
- indicate up to 3 deposits (each one is worth $20), provide your name and student number,
- You can get a max. of three deposits per request, with two requests per semester available to you.
- Visit the cafeteria in person to load your card for the first time.
- Use your ID card to pay at the Upper or Lower Cafeteria with no restrictions on food choices. Opting for lower-value menu items will help stretch the funds.
- 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
- Nanaimo Foodshare - The Good Food Box
- Nanaimo Community Kitchens Society
- Salvation Army meal program, call 250.714.1142
- 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 (Our app is the world's largest marketplace for surplus food. We help 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
- Find a food bank in your area using Food Banks BC
- 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 Community Action Team creates a street survival guide. Find the Cowichan Street Survival Guide 2025 here.
- Flipp (app to browse local grocery store flyers for current offers)
- Flashfood (app to browse local grocery stores for short dated and discounted food)
- Find a food bank in your area using Food Banks BC
- 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): Provides free services, such as food, computer access, telephone, tax help, legal services information, referral services, and laundry facilities. 604.485.0992
- Salvation Army: 4500 Joyce, 12:30pm until supplies last
- Powell River Food Bank: Food hamper once a month. Open Tues to Thurs 10 am to 2 pm. 604.485.9166
- 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
- Find a food bank in your area using Food Banks BC
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.