3 students walking outside on VIU Nanaimo Campus

Food resources

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
  • 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 maximum 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
    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 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.

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