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Care BC – Meals on Wheels
Weekday meal delivery for home-bound seniors, people with mobility challenges, and adults recovering from illness in Vancouver and Richmond. Western and Chinese-style meals are available, delivered Monday to Friday between 10:30am and 1pm. As of 2026, hot meals cost $10.95, frozen meals and breakfasts $8.75, sandwich packs $7.25, and Chinese hot meals $11.25. Someone must be home to receive the delivery. Call 604-732-7638 for Western meals or 604-733-6615 for Chinese meals to sign up.
Help in these languages:- English
- 中文 Chinese
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
Neighbourhood house on the Westside offering programs for seniors, families, and newcomers, including weekly seniors lunches, exercise classes, food distribution, English conversation circles, and community kitchens. Most programs are free or low-cost. Visit the front desk Monday to Friday, 9:30am-4pm, or call 604-736-3588 to ask about a program.
Services & Programs (5)
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Take what you need and give what you can to this pantry with non-perishable foods and fridge/freezer with perishable items. Available 24/7. Located outside the neighbourhood house on Vine Street.
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Weekly drop-in lunch at Kitsilano Neighbourhood House for adults 55 and older, no registration needed. Volunteers and a staff chef serve a healthy, home-cooked meal alongside light exercise, games, and occasional presentations or performances that build social connection. Cost is $9 at the door, a 10-meal punch card works out to about $8.18 a meal, and taking part requires a Kitsilano Neighbourhood House membership. Held Tuesdays 11am to 1pm at the Community Hall, 2305 West 7th Ave.
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Provides free fresh and non-perishable food items to take home through a weekly distribution program. Access is managed through a randomized scheduling system, with regular participants assigned pickup times and notified earlier in the week. First-time drop-ins may still receive food depending on availability. Participants can be added to the weekly list after their first visit. Those without contact information can check in before Friday or drop in on the day. This program operates out of the Living Room drop-in space at Kitsilano Neighbourhood House.
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A trained volunteer, called a Memory Buddy, is matched with a person living with dementia so they can take part in Kits House programs together. It is free and no membership is needed. Fill out the referral form on the website or call to ask about a match.
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A Community Connector meets one-on-one with people 55 and older who feel lonely, have a low income or are going through a hard change, and helps them make a plan to get connected to activities, transportation, housing information and other supports. Free, Kits House membership required. Interpretation is available on request.
St. James Community Square Pantry
Take what you need and give what you can to this pantry stocked with non-perishable foods, available 24/7. Located outside the community centre on Trutch Street.
The Dugout
The Dugout is a drop-in space in the Downtown Eastside for people experiencing homelessness and residents of all ages. It offers free coffee, fresh produce, baked goods and prepared meals brought by volunteers throughout the day, plus a daily Alcoholics Anonymous meeting (“The Out to Lunch Bunch”) from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. The organization’s own site says it is currently in a temporary space and is unable to serve soup. Call 604-685-5239 to confirm current programs.
Central Presbyterian - Rescued food distribution
Weekly distribution of rescued food that would otherwise go to waste, open to everyone. Held every Friday from 11:45am to 12:45pm in the Interface Room at Central Presbyterian Church, 1155 Thurlow Street. Free to attend. Bring a shopping bag or cart, a clean plastic bag for frozen items, and a container. Small donations to support local food banks are welcome but not required.
Collingwood Neighbourhood House
Neighbourhood house near Joyce-Collingwood SkyTrain offering programs for seniors, families, and newcomers. Seniors services include Better at Home (subsidized housekeeping, grocery ordering, and a shuttle every second Friday), a free weekly walking club, social drop-ins, and help with government forms and benefits. Free food programs and settlement services for newcomers are also based here. Call 604-435-0323 or register online. Some programs require membership.
Services & Programs (6)
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Fridge and pantry stocked with free food, and located on the west facing side of Collingwood Neighbourhood House, adjacent to the gym entrance. Open 24/7. Wheelchair accessible.
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Food security programs run by the Collingwood Neighbourhood House Food Justice team. A free Community Fridge and Pantry at the CNH entrance is open to anyone. The Harvest Box Market offers subsidized produce on a pay-what-you-can basis. The Free Food Program currently has a waitlist. Call 604-435-0323 for current details.
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A weekly drop-in at Collingwood Neighbourhood House for people who are homeless or precariously housed in Renfrew-Collingwood and beyond. Saturday mornings offer a free hot breakfast, showers and a clothing exchange while supplies last, plus help connecting to housing, health care and counselling. No referral or registration is needed; people just show up. The program has run since 2004 and serves 60 to 80 people most Saturdays.
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A one-on-one appointment with a peer navigator who helps seniors fill out government forms such as OAS, GIS, CPP, SAFER, MSP and the BC Bus Pass, and points them to other local supports. Free for any senior. Call or email Helen Su to book a time.
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A free wellness conversation for adults 55 and older that connects them to the local supports they need, such as transportation, food, health care and social programs. Call Collingwood Neighbourhood House to set up an appointment.
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Volunteer drivers give one-on-one rides to adults 55 and older who live in the Renfrew-Collingwood area, for a suggested $5 donation per ride, plus occasional free group outings. Call or email Joe Chan to ask about a ride.
DuMonde Helping Hands Foundation – Metrotown Station
DuMonde Helping Hands Foundation gives out free groceries, culturally diverse food, and some clothing right outside Metrotown SkyTrain Station every Thursday starting at 3pm. No cost, and the organization says there are no barriers or judgment, just show up. There is also an online sign-up form if you want to register ahead of time, but it isn't clear whether that's required or just optional. Food is given out while supplies last, so arriving close to 3pm is a good idea. Call 778-223-3468 or email help@helphands.org with questions.
DuMonde Helping Hands Foundation – Nanaimo Station
DuMonde Helping Hands Foundation gives out free groceries, culturally diverse food, and some clothing right outside Nanaimo SkyTrain Station every Saturday starting at 3pm. No cost, and the organization says there are no barriers or judgment, just show up. There is also an online sign-up form if you want to register ahead of time, but it isn't clear whether that's required or just optional. Food is given out while supplies last, so arriving close to 3pm is a good idea. Call 778-223-3468 or email help@helphands.org with questions.
Gathering Place Community Centre
Community centre and cafeteria in Downtown South for people on low income, people with disabilities, seniors, and others facing barriers. Offers recreation, fitness, arts and social programs, plus free laundry and shower facilities. The cafeteria serves breakfast (9am-11:15am, $2.25), lunch (11:30am-4:15pm, $2.75) and dinner (4:30pm-7pm, $3.50) daily. Annual membership is free and gives access to fitness, reading room and arts programs. Open 9am-8pm daily, walk in, no referral needed.
Services & Programs (2)
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The Gathering Place cafeteria serves three healthy meals a day, breakfast, lunch and dinner, at the lowest possible price, for anyone, including the many seniors who use the centre. Membership in the centre is free. Call 604-665-2391 for meal times and prices.
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Low-barrier overnight shelter with 34 mats for adults 18 and older of all genders. Sign-up starts at 8:30pm and any mats left are given out at the 11pm curfew. Breakfast and snacks are provided, plus a $2.75 meal ticket for a hot lunch or dinner at The Gathering Place during the day. Showers, laundry, personal care items, clothing, advocacy and referrals are available 9am-5:30pm daily, with a small daytime locker (no cart storage). No pets, wheelchair accessible.
Jewish Family Services (Kitchen)
JFS The Kitchen is Jewish Family Services food security hub at 54 East 3rd Avenue, giving out free grocery bags to families, seniors, and others facing food insecurity, including kosher options. People who cannot pick up groceries themselves can get them delivered. Groceries are also distributed at several other hub locations in the Lower Mainland. To register, call the JFS Care Line at 604-558-5719 or use the online intake form on jfsvancouver.ca.
Khalsa Diwan Society (Ross Street Gurdwara)
Historic Sikh temple in South Vancouver. Serves free vegetarian meals (langar) daily to anyone, regardless of faith or background. No registration needed. Call for more information.
Kits Cares - Low Cost Food Market
Sells low-cost and subsidized groceries, including produce, canned goods, bread and dairy, with some free items available. Guests can also get a free hot drink and snack at the cafe area. No ID or sign-up needed, just drop in during market hours. Run by local churches in partnership with Tenth Church. Call 604-732-5577 for more information.
Little Mountain Neighbourhood House
Little Mountain Neighbourhood House is a community hub with seniors programs, counselling, and free weekly groceries, mainly for people living in the surrounding area. Services include information and referral support, counselling, and community-based programs that promote connection, health, and well-being.
The centre provides regular seniors programs, social and recreational activities, and access to supports such as art therapy and wellness programs. A weekly food distribution program offers free groceries in a market-style format, allowing participants to choose fresh and non-perishable items.
Services & Programs (2)
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A free weekly market-style food giveaway at Little Mountain Neighbourhood House, where people choose their own fresh and non-perishable food. It serves the area from Cambie to Knight Street and 16th to 49th Avenue, and seniors also get a quarterly food hamper. Contact the food distribution coordinator to ask about picking up food.
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A free lunch for older adults with a guest speaker or group discussion, twice a month at Little Mountain Neighbourhood House. Contact Jacqui to find out the next topic and sign up.
Marpole Community Food Hub - Grocery Program
Provides access to free groceries through a weekly community food distribution program serving the Marpole area. Groceries are distributed on Thursdays from 10am to 12pm at a local community site and may include fresh produce and non-perishable items. Only available to people living within the following postal codes: V6M, V6N, V6P, V5W, V5X, V5Y, V5Z.
This program offers a consistent and accessible source of food for local residents in an area with limited nearby services. Call or check website for eligibility and registration details.
Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House
Community-run neighbourhood house in Mount Pleasant with programs for all ages. Offers dedicated activities for older adults (55+) and a Caregivers Connect program for family caregivers, alongside childcare, youth, newcomer, literacy, and food security programs. Most activities are free or low-cost. Call or visit to find the current schedule for seniors programs.
Services & Programs (4)
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Weekly lunch and bingo program for seniors at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House. A hot meal and bingo are offered every Tuesday, 12pm-2pm, at 800 East Broadway. Cost is $5 per meal, or $20 for a 5-meal punch card. Drop in, no registration required. The neighbourhood house also runs other programs for people 55 and up, including Better at Home meal delivery, chair yoga, and digital literacy support - call 604-879-8208 for details.
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Newcomer settlement program run by Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House. Helps newcomers learn about health care, the legal system, education, employment, finances, housing, and child care, with one-to-one settlement counselling and help filling out forms. Offers English conversation circles, groups for women in Arabic and Spanish, computer and tech help, and community connection activities. Settlement participants get a free first year of Neighbourhood House membership. Call or visit Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, to register.Help in these languages:
- English
- Tiếng Việt Vietnamese
- Español Spanish
- العربية Arabic
- Wolof làkk Wolof
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A free, informal group where older adults practise speaking English together every Thursday afternoon at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House. Email seniors@mpnh.org or call the front desk to join.
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A free monthly drop-in where older adults bring a phone, tablet or laptop and get patient help with everyday tasks like email, apps and video calls. No registration needed. Email seniors@mpnh.org to confirm the date.
Salvation Army Boundless - Nourishing Hope Hampers
Provides grocery hampers through a structured program requiring registration and scheduled pickup by appointment. Hampers typically include a mix of fresh and non-perishable food items.
This program is not drop-in and requires advance sign-up. Located in the Riley Park area.
Union Gospel Mission
Free meals and an overnight shelter for men in the Downtown Eastside.
Services & Programs (2)
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Union Gospel Mission serves free hot meals to anyone at its Hastings Street location. Lunch is served daily at 11am, and dinner is served Monday to Friday at 6pm and Saturday to Sunday at 4pm. Meal tickets are handed out 15 minutes before each serving, on a first-come, first-served basis. No referral or registration is required.
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Overnight shelter for up to 100 men, including transgender men, open 9pm to 6:50am daily in a clean, sober setting with bunk-bed rooms. Waitlist tickets are handed out at 5pm at reception and intake starts at 9pm at the Cornerstone Drop-In Centre (Princess Street entrance), with beds held first for people who stayed the night before. Offers showers, limited laundry, hygiene items, overnight lockers, case management and referrals to housing, recovery, legal and immigration help. There is no one-on-one or medical support, so guests must manage on their own. Faith-based and wheelchair accessible, no pets except guide dogs.
Vancouver Community Fridge - Kerrisdale
Fridge and pantry stocked with free food, located in in a brown shed to the left of the pantry area at St. Mary's. Accessible 24/7.
Vancouver Community Fridge - Kitsilano
Fridge and pantry stocked with free food, located in the alley behind the red house and garden at the above address. Accessible 24/7.
Vancouver Community Fridge - Mount Pleasant
The fridge, freezer and pantry are maintained in partnership by Food Stash Foundation and the Vancouver Community Fridge Project. Food is free and everyone is welcome to take what they need and leave what they can. The Fridge is accessible 24/7 and it is in the alley between E 4th Avenue and Scotia Street at the CoFood Community Garden.
Vancouver Community Fridge - Point Grey
Community fridge and freezer stocked with free food, in the back parking lot of St. Helen’s Anglican Church at 4405 West 8th Avenue. Open 24/7, no sign-up required - take what you need and leave what you can.
Vancouver Community Fridge - Victoria Drive
Provides free food through a community fridge, freezer, and pantry stocked with donated groceries and prepared meals. Available 24/7 and accessible without registration or referral.
Supplies vary depending on community contributions. Located in the alley behind the green house on Victoria Drive. See website for updates and additional locations.
Vancouver Community Fridge – LMNH
Fridge, freezer, and pantry stocked with free food. Temporarily located in front of the Soap Dispensary.
Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society
Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society offers culturally grounded programs for Indigenous people in Vancouver, including employment, family, housing, and education support. Its Elders' Food and Wellness Program serves Indigenous Residential School Survivors, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers aged 55 and up, with a free weekday lunch, health and wellness activities, and help with housing, income, and legal matters. A weekly Elder's Bingo social runs Wednesdays, 9am-11am, for ages 65 and up. Email elders@vafcs.org or call 604-251-4844 to find out more.
Services & Programs (2)
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Daily drop-in lunch and a weekly food bank for Indigenous Elders at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre. A free lunch is served every weekday at noon, and a food bank runs on Wednesdays (except during cheque issue week). Call 604-251-4844 or email elders@vafcs.org to sign up.For Indigenous People
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Drop-in wellness program for Indigenous Elders, Residential School Survivors and Knowledge Keepers age 55+, run by the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society. Includes daily on-site meals, cultural sessions and workshops, and help connecting to housing, income and legal supports. A weekly Elder's Bingo social runs Wednesdays from 9 to 11am for ages 65 and older in the CSB Room. Free to attend; email elders@vafcs.org to register.For Indigenous People
A Loving Spoonful - Meals and Groceries
Provides free, nutritionally tailored meals and groceries to individuals living with HIV and other serious or chronic health conditions. Food is delivered directly to clients and designed to support overall health and well-being.
This is an eligibility-based program and is not a general drop-in food service. Individuals can apply themselves or be referred by a doctor, nurse, dietitian, or social worker. All applicants undergo an assessment process, and there may be a waitlist due to high demand.
Aboriginal Mother Centre Society
Indigenous-led organization in Grandview-Woodland supporting Aboriginal mothers and children, with some programs open to the wider community including Elders. The Community Kitchen serves hot meals Monday to Friday for $4.50, with a free meal for Elders every Thursday. Also runs transitional housing for mothers and children at risk of homelessness, a licensed daycare, and family wellness workshops (daycare and housing have waitlists). Call 604-558-2627 or visit in person - no referral is needed for the community kitchen.
Services & Programs (1)
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Community kitchen at the Aboriginal Mother Centre serving hot meals Monday to Friday for $4.50. Every Thursday, the kitchen also prepares a home-cooked meal especially for Elders in the community. Call 604-558-2627 ext. 108 or email kitchen@aboriginalmothercentre.ca for details.
Better Meals – Meal Delivery
Meal delivery service for seniors and others who need ready-made meals, serving the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and the Okanagan. Choose from over 200 fully-cooked frozen and fresh meals, including diabetic-friendly and low-sodium options. Order online or call the order desk Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 3pm. Free delivery on orders of $30 or more, free pickup with no minimum.
Britannia Community Centre
Large multi-service community centre in East Vancouver with a dedicated 55+ Centre offering daily drop-in programs and social activities, including a Tuesday morning program for Vietnamese seniors. The centre also has a pool, fitness centre, library, and ice rink, each with its own schedule on the website. Most programs are subsidized, with financial assistance available for those who need it. Call 604-718-5837 for 55+ programming, or visit the Info Centre to register.
Services & Programs (2)
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Weekly soup lunch for seniors at the Britannia 55+ Centre (Al Mattison Lounge), held Mondays from September to June. Pay $4.00 at the Info Centre and bring the receipt to the 55+ Centre. A potluck lunch is also held once a month, bring a dish to share. Call 604-718-5837 for dates and details.
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Neighbourhood food network run through Britannia Community Centre, serving Grandview-Woodland and Strathcona. Offers a Harvest Stand with free fresh produce, a Seniors Community Kitchen, Sunday community garden drop-ins during the growing season, and the Bulk Buy Food Club, a monthly produce bag at wholesale prices for low-income residents. Call 604-718-5895 or email gwfcnetwork@gmail.com for the current schedule.
Bryn's Neighbourhood Table
Free, sit-down dinner every Thursday 6-7pm at St. Augustine's Anglican Church. Arrive 30 min prior to enjoy a coffee/tea with others. Call for more info. Wheelchair accessible. Takeout available.
Christ Church Cathedral Vancouver
Anglican cathedral in downtown Vancouver, open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Offers pastoral care, counselling referrals, and community outreach, including a weekly community meal through the separate Maundy Cafe program. Office open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. Call ahead to ask about a specific program.
Services & Programs (1)
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Provides free meals through the Maundy Café at Christ Church Cathedral, offered on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11:30am to 12:30pm. This is a structured, drop-in meal service available in a central downtown location. No registration or referral is required. Due to its limited one-hour service window, arriving early is recommended.
Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House
Neighbourhood house in the Downtown Eastside offering free community and family drop-ins, youth programs and food access for residents of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Community Drop-In runs Monday to Wednesday and Family Drop-In runs Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Walk in or call 604-215-2030; most programs are free and do not need a referral.
Services & Programs (1)
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Free food program at Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House, 547 East Hastings St. The Community Drop-In on Mondays and Wednesdays offers home-cooked meals and fresh food in a low-barrier space, with no registration needed. A Community Pantry and Fridge at the entrance has free shelf-stable and fresh food during program hours. On Tuesday evenings, community members cook the food served the next day. Call 604-215-2030 to check times before you go.
First United Church
Community service hub in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside offering food, drop-in space, and other low-barrier support, open Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm. Breakfast is served at 8am and lunch at noon, with the drop-in space open until 3:45pm. Other programs include foot care, showers, legal advocacy, and tax clinics. The emergency shelter operates at a separate address, 467 Alexander St, call 604-839-6880 for shelter intake. For everything else call 604-681-8365.
Services & Programs (1)
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First United Church legal advocacy for low-income and vulnerable people in the Downtown Eastside, covering tenancy, income assistance, disability, Employment Insurance, and pension issues. Can represent clients at the Residential Tenancy Branch, the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal, and the Social Security Tribunal. Free. Contact by phone or email, or drop in during intake hours - capacity is limited, so arrive early and bring paperwork related to the issue. Limited in-person intake for urgent matters like eviction or loss of income if phone or email cannot be reached.
Food Stash Foundation
Nonprofit that rescues surplus food from grocery stores, farms and wholesalers and redistributes it in Vancouver. Runs a weekly Rescued Food Market and a Rescued Food Box delivery program for people with low income, disabilities or chronic health conditions, and donates surplus food to more than 50 partner agencies and a community fridge. Call 604-862-9701 or see foodstash.ca for current programs and how to apply.
Services & Programs (2)
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Weekly box of surplus groceries, recovered from local farms, wholesalers, and grocery stores, delivered to the door of members who live in Food Stash's Vancouver service area. For adults, including seniors and people with disabilities, who have a disability or chronic health condition that makes it hard to access food. Costs $12 per weekly delivery, no separate membership fee. Call 604-862-9701 or use the contact form on foodstash.ca to register.
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Weekly in-person market where members shop for low-cost rescued groceries, surplus fruit, vegetables and other food discarded by stores for cosmetic flaws, overstock or approaching best-before dates, but still fresh and safe to eat. Costs $36 for a 3-month membership, about $3 per visit, spots are assigned by random lottery after registering. Open to everyone, no need to prove financial need. Held Thursdays 3-7pm at the Food Stash warehouse.
Guru Nanak's Free Kitchen
Free hot vegetarian meals (langar) from a Sikh charity, open to anyone with no registration or referral. Meals are served outdoors at Main and Hastings, outside the Carnegie Centre, on Saturdays at 1pm and Sundays at 12pm. The group owns a building at 245 East Hastings St that is still being renovated, so meals are not served there yet.
Jacob's Well
Faith-based nonprofit in the Downtown Eastside running a weekly Community Kitchen. People gather to cook starting at 2pm on Wednesdays and share a free dinner from 4 to 7pm. Everyone is welcome, no registration needed. Volunteers also visit people who are isolated because of a health condition.
Killarney Seniors Centre
Seniors centre for people 55+ in southeast Vancouver, with its own reception desk, phone and programs, in the same building as the Killarney Community Centre. Runs the Eat, Chat, Thrive lunch four days a week (see its own listing), free workshops for people 65+ (such as arthritis, fraud and scams, life without driving), foot care clinics with a nurse, music and art groups, and monthly movie matinees. Jointly run by the Vancouver Park Board and the Killarney Community Centre Society. Call 604-718-8201 or ask at the Seniors Reception desk.
Services & Programs (2)
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The Killarney Seniors Centre’s Eat, Chat, Thrive lunch for people 55+, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Take-out is picked up at 10:45am, and dine-in lunch is served from 11:30am in the Seniors Grand Hall, with a main dish, dessert and a drink. One lunch costs $9.05 plus GST, or $90.50 plus GST for 10. Register for the next month on its registration day: online at vanrec.ca (keyword Killarney Eats), in person from 9am, or by phone at 604-718-8201 from 12pm. About 20 drop-in lunches are sold after 11:45am, first come, first served.
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A registered foot care nurse spends 30 minutes assessing your feet and treating common problems like fungus, ingrown nails, calluses and corns. Appointments are on a few Thursday mornings each season in the Seniors Centre, and cost $55.71. Book by phone at 604-718-8211 or online at vanrec.ca. Not for open wounds.
Kiwassa Neighbourhood House
Neighbourhood house in Hastings-Sunrise with staff who help connect residents to community resources and navigate a range of issues. Seniors programs include walking clubs, art groups, ESL classes and more. Also operates two subsidized housing buildings and can help people navigate that system. Drop in or call during office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4pm.
Services & Programs (3)
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A low-cost hot lunch for seniors on the first and third Friday of the month, followed by bingo. It costs $5 to $7. Call Kiwassa to ask about a seat.
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Beginner, intermediate and advanced English classes for older adults, held weekly at Kiwassa Neighbourhood House. The fee is $10 for three months. Contact the Senior Programs Coordinator to find the right level and register.
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A Cantonese-language class that teaches older adults how to use an iPad or iPhone, on Friday mornings. Ten sessions cost $10. Contact the Senior Programs Coordinator to register.Help in these languages:
- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
Lookout Society – Powell St. Getaway Snacks
Free snacks and coffee served multiple times daily at Lookout Society's Powell St. Getaway. Open to anyone. Wheelchair accessible. Takeout available.
Muslim Food Bank and Community Services
Daily hot meal distribution in the Downtown Eastside run by Muslim Food Bank and Community Services, open 1pm to 3pm every day. Serves people of all faiths and backgrounds, with halal, kosher, vegetarian and vegan options. Free, donation-supported. New applicants call 1-866-248-3868 to sign up.
Potluck Cafe Society
Nonprofit social enterprise in the Downtown Eastside that distributes free meals and weather relief drinks to people living on the street or facing poverty, including seniors. Also runs Potluck Cafe and Catering, a catering business that funds the nonprofit and provides paid on-the-job training for Downtown Eastside residents facing barriers to employment. Meals are free and no referral is needed. Catering and office enquiries are handled Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4pm.
South Vancouver Neighbourhood House
Neighbourhood house in South Vancouver offering programs and support for seniors, in partnership with the South Vancouver Seniors Hub. Services include community lunches, social and wellness groups, ESL classes, caregiver and grief support groups, tech help, and Better at Home support such as light housekeeping, transportation, and grocery delivery for people 55 and older. Most programs require a free SVNH membership, and some services use a sliding scale (community lunch $7, ESL one-time fee $5). Call or visit to register. Staff are available in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi, and Hindi.
Help in these languages:- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
- 普通话 Mandarin
- ਪੰਜਾਬੀ Punjabi
- 한국어 Korean
- हिन्दी Hindi
Services & Programs (7)
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A hot lunch for older adults every Wednesday at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, for $7. Registration is required. Call or email Alex Hill to book a spot.
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Prepared frozen meals delivered to seniors’ homes every Thursday, for $6 to $7 a meal. There is a waitlist. Email frozenmeals@southvan.org or call to be added.
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A weekly group that gives seniors support and information after the death of someone close or another loss. Free with membership, registration required. Call or email Alex Hill to join.
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One-on-one appointments to help seniors understand government programs and find the right local service, in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi or Hindi depending on staff. Free with membership. Call to book a time.Help in these languages:
- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
- 普通话 Mandarin
- ਪੰਜਾਬੀ Punjabi
- हिन्दी Hindi
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One-on-one help with phones and computers by phone, email or Zoom, in English, Cantonese or Mandarin. Free with membership. Call or email Frank Lin to book a session.Help in these languages:
- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
- 普通话 Mandarin
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A beginner English class taught in Cantonese for older adults, on Wednesday afternoons. A one-time $5 fee covers the class. Call or email Frank Lin to register.Help in these languages:
- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
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An online support group, by Zoom or WeChat, for family and friends caring for an older adult, in English, Cantonese or Mandarin. Free with membership. Contact Ping Chen to join a language group.Help in these languages:
- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
- 普通话 Mandarin
Tenth Church - Oasis Cafe
Oasis Café at Tenth Church offers a dine-in community meal open to everyone, no registration required. Meals are served Monday from 5:30pm to 7:30pm and Tuesday from 11am to 1pm, by donation rather than free. Enter at 11 West 10th Avenue through Entrance D.
Thunderbird Community Centre
Community recreation centre offering sports programs, fitness classes, arts activities, and social programs for children, youth, adults, and seniors. Facilities include a gymnasium, fitness centre, dance studio, preschool programs, and multipurpose rooms. The centre is located in Thunderbird Park and hosts seasonal community recreation programs and events.
Services & Programs (2)
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A weekly Tuesday afternoon for older adults to play cards, dominoes, cribbage or Scrabble, or just visit, with a light lunch served. $6 a session. Register in person at the centre.
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A low-cost weekly dinner for older adults, cooked and served by youth volunteers, with table games afterwards. Thursday evenings, $2 a session. Register in person at the centre.
Vancouver Farmers Markets
Vancouver Farmers Markets runs nine seasonal markets around the city, including Trout Lake, Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, Downtown, and False Creek, selling fresh local produce and prepared food. Days, hours, and season dates differ by market - check eatlocal.org or call 604-879-3276 for the current schedule. Some markets are redemption sites for the BC Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program, which gives eligible low-income seniors and families coupons for fresh produce. Apply through a local community partner, not the market itself.
YWCA Crabtree Corner
Community and resource centre for women and families in the Downtown Eastside.
Services & Programs (2)
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Free nutritious breakfast and lunch, five days a week, for women and their families in the Downtown Eastside. Breakfast runs 9 to 10am and lunch 1 to 2pm, Monday to Friday, no lunch served on income assistance days. Walk in during meal hours, no referral needed. Run by YWCA Metro Vancouver.
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One-to-one support from YWCA Crabtree Corner for women and femmes in Vancouver who have experienced or are currently experiencing abuse in an intimate relationship, including with a partner, parent, or caregiver. Support includes emotional support, safety planning, help finding affordable housing, income assistance navigation, help with the legal system, and accompaniment to court and other appointments. Free. Call or email to connect with a support worker, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 3:30pm.For Women
Broadway Community of Hope Society
Small nonprofit serving free snacks, coffee and a hot lunch to anyone who comes in, Tuesday to Saturday. Snacks and coffee are served at noon, with lunch from 1:15pm to 2pm. Closed during welfare week each month. No referral or ID needed, just show up. Call 604-723-0523 to confirm hours before visiting.
CityReach Care Society
Free food programs at The CityReach Warehouse in East Vancouver.
Services & Programs (2)
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Fresh food bank run by CityReach for individuals and families in Greater Vancouver, with a separate stream for seniors aged 60+. Participants receive a hamper of fresh produce, dairy, protein and grains once a week. Registration is required and is currently closed at all locations, check cityreach.org or call 604-254-2489 for updates. Bring photo ID to each pickup.
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Hot meal served alongside a Sunday worship gathering at The CityReach Warehouse, 2650 Slocan Street. Doors open at 10am, with the gathering and meal at 11am. Free to attend, and the meal is available whether or not someone joins the service. Call 604-254-2489 with questions.
Cityview Church - Open Table
Weekly community lunch paired with an optional faith-based gathering. Open Table provides a hot meal in a welcoming, inclusive setting, with time to connect, socialize, and access informal support. All are welcome to attend the meal regardless of participation in the spiritual service.
DTES Emergency Supply Hub
Community hub in the Downtown Eastside offering food hampers, emergency weather gear and PPE, toiletries and other household essentials, and support connecting to other frontline agencies. Nonprofit society serving low-income and street-involved residents. Hours are not posted online, call 604-679-4019 to confirm before visiting.
Food on the Corner
Weekly soup and coffee plus a bagged lunch with PB&J sandwich, banana, granola bar.
Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House
Neighbourhood house in Hastings-Sunrise running programs for seniors 50+, including Tai Chi, a dance group, a knitting group, Men's Shed and the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors (TAPS). Dine & Connect is a free monthly social meal where older adults can meet neighbours over food; dates are posted on the seniors programs page. Email seniors@froghollow.bc.ca or call to ask about a program; some require registration.
Services & Programs (3)
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Free monthly dinner for older adults (50+) to make new friends and connect with neighbours. Sign up required; contact seniors@froghollow.bc.ca. Wheelchair accessible.
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Staff help people 50 and older find local services, fill out forms and speak up for what they need. Free, no referral needed. Email seniors@froghollow.bc.ca or call 604-251-1225.
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Friendly visits and home deliveries for seniors in Hastings-Sunrise who are isolated or can’t easily leave home. Free. Contact Gloria Tsui to ask about a visit or to refer someone.
Greater Vancouver Food Bank
Free weekly grocery pickup for registered clients at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Vancouver warehouse. Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10am-4pm, Thursday 1pm-7pm, and Saturday 10am-3pm, closed Sunday, Monday, statutory holidays, and the last full week of each month. To register, bring government-issued photo ID for every adult in the household and proof of address from the last 3 months, such as a utility bill, phone bill, rental agreement, or notice of assessment. Call 604-876-3601 or email reception@foodbank.bc.ca to book an intake appointment, no walk-ins. Registered clients can then pick up food once a week with their client card.
Heart Tattoo Society
Free weekly outdoor BBQ meal for anyone in the Downtown Eastside, run by a nonprofit in partnership with Watari Counselling and Support Services. Meals are takeaway with utensils provided, with no barriers or ID required. Held weekly near Main and Hastings, but the day and time change - check the Heart Tattoo Society Facebook page (@hts_yvr) or call ahead to confirm. Also serves meals on some statutory holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
New Beginnings Baptist Church
New Beginnings Baptist Church runs a weekly food bank and support programs from its building in East Vancouver. The food bank is open Wednesdays, 1pm to 3pm, to anyone in need - drop in for food and a coffee or snack. Free, Bible-based counselling is available by appointment, and the church runs a weekly support group for women dealing with abuse, grief, or pain. Call 604-873-2100 to ask about counselling or the support group.
Quest Non-Profit Grocery Markets (Dundas)
Provides access to low-cost groceries through a membership-based model at a dedicated market location. Items are sold at reduced prices and may include surplus or donated food products.
Access requires a referral from a community organization or support worker, and is not available for immediate drop-in use. Food selection and quality may vary. Call or check website for eligibility requirements and current access details.
Quest Non-Profit Grocery Markets (Hastings)
Provides access to low-cost groceries through a membership-based model at a dedicated market location. Items are sold at reduced prices and may include surplus or donated food products.
Access requires a referral from a community organization or support worker, and is not available for immediate drop-in use. Food selection and quality may vary. Call or check website for eligibility requirements and current access details.
Ribbon Community
Ribbon Community supports people living with HIV and others affected by HIV stigma, including older adults aging with HIV. Case managers and peer navigators help with government systems, housing, income supports, and healthcare navigation. Programs are free and no ID is required. Drop in Monday to Thursday, 10am-4pm, or call ahead to book with a case manager. Other services include a grocery and financial assistance program, tax clinic, and dental hygiene clinic.
Services & Programs (1)
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Free groceries, pantry items, and hygiene products for people living with HIV, through Ribbon Community, formerly AIDS Vancouver. For registered clients only - contact the program to confirm eligibility. Held biweekly at the Vancouver site. Call 604-893-2201 or email welcome@ribboncommunity.org to register and get the current schedule.
Saige Community Food Bank - Food Hamper Pickup
Free food hampers with fresh produce and baked goods on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month, from a two-spirit, trans and gender-diverse safe space program open to anyone in need. The waitlist may be full, so check the website before visiting. www.saigecommunityfoodbank.com
St Mary's Kerrisdale - Community Meal
St. Mary’s Kerrisdale hosts a free community meal every Tuesday. Tea and time to visit start at 11am, and the meal is served from 11:30am to 12:15pm. Everyone is welcome and no registration is required. Guests can also pick up day-old bread when available and visit the Neighbourhood Pantry and Fridge on site.
St. Vincent de Paul Society Vancouver
Local Catholic volunteer group providing emergency help with food for people in need, regardless of faith. Offers short-term food hampers, subject to availability, and home visits for people who are homebound due to health or mobility issues. Email ssvpvancouver@gmail.com or call to ask about current assistance. Referrals also accepted through 211.
The Door Is Open
A faith-based drop-in centre in the Downtown Eastside offering food, clothing, counselling, and shelter referrals for adults experiencing poverty, isolation, or homelessness. Lunch is served Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 11am, and Sunday at noon. Wednesday includes a Women’s Breakfast at 8:30am and a Women’s Lunch at 11:30am. Drop in, no appointment needed.
Three Links Foundation - Sunday Free Breakfast
Provides a free hot breakfast every Sunday from 9:30am to 11:30am for individuals experiencing homelessness. Meals may include items such as breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, muffins, cereal, and hot beverages.
This is a low-barrier weekly program offering a consistent meal, with occasional access to basic clothing support. Due to its limited frequency, it is best used as a supplemental food option.
Tonari Gumi Japanese Community Volunteers' Association
Tonari Gumi supports Japanese-speaking seniors and families in Metro Vancouver with culturally specific programs in English and Japanese. Services include Meals on Wheels with Japanese bento lunches, medical transportation for seniors 55 and older, help with pension, tax, and BC Housing paperwork, and separate English and Japanese caregiver support groups for people caring for someone with dementia. Medical transportation costs $55 for two hours plus parking, and needs an assessment interview and advance booking. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
Help in these languages:- English
- 日本語 Japanese
Services & Programs (5)
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Japanese-style bento meal delivery for home-bound seniors, people recovering from illness or injury, and their caregivers, run by Tonari Gumi. A person must be home to receive the meal, and an in-person visit is required before starting. Costs $7 per meal for Tonari Gumi members, $8 for non-members. Sign up at tonarigumi.ca/mow.
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Free help filing a simple tax return for seniors 65 and older with a single income of $35,000 or less, or $45,000 for a couple. It runs in tax season, call ahead for dates.
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Rides with an escort and interpretation to medical appointments, or help getting to the grocery store, for seniors 55 and older. Medical trips cost $55 for two hours plus parking, and need an assessment interview and advance booking. Call to book.Help in these languages:
- English
- 日本語 Japanese
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A volunteer calls, visits or writes to a senior regularly to check in and keep them company, for older adults who are isolated or would like a regular friendly contact. Call the office to be matched with a volunteer.Help in these languages:
- English
- 日本語 Japanese
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Free support groups by Zoom for people caring for a family member, led by clinical social workers: a Japanese-language dementia group, a general Japanese group and a group for English-speaking Japanese Canadians. Contact Nao to register.Help in these languages:
- English
- 日本語 Japanese
Vancouver Food Asset Map
Interactive online map of places across Vancouver to grow, prepare, share, buy, or receive food, including food banks, community meal programs, free or subsidized groceries, and community gardens. Built by Vancouver Neighbourhood Food Networks with the City of Vancouver, UBC, and Vancouver Coastal Health. Free to browse online by neighbourhood or type of food asset.
Vancouver Women’s Health Collective – Community Fridge & Food Access
Community fridge, freezer and pantry run by the Vancouver Women’s Health Collective for self-identified women and gender-diverse people in the Downtown Eastside. Free food and hot meals are available Wednesday to Friday, 1-4:30pm, with no ID or referral needed. Free clothing is offered the same days, 2-4pm. Part of the Vancouver Community Fridge network.
Washington Community Market
Neighbourhood grocery store in the Downtown Eastside selling affordable food and household essentials, including small and single-serving sizes for people on a tight budget. Open to everyone, no membership or ID needed. Run by the nonprofit Community Impact Real Estate Society on the ground floor of the Maple Hotel. Wheelchair accessible.
Engaged Communities Canada Society
Nonprofit outreach organization supporting people in the Downtown Eastside and the wider Lower Mainland. Programs include a 24/7 Little Help Box with food, hygiene items, harm reduction supplies, and warm clothing, a Food Security program providing food hampers and meals, and a Mobile Health Unit offering nursing, harm reduction, and counselling with Fraser Health. Locations and times change often and are posted online, on social media, or on local flyers. There is no public office or phone line - email info@eccsociety.org first to confirm. Services are free.
Gospel Mission Society - Food Program
Free sandwiches, soup, and light meals served every Wednesday starting at 7pm in the Downtown Eastside. Held on the sidewalk outside The Door Is Open at 255 Dunlevy Avenue when weather allows, and inside when it is wet. Drop-in, no registration needed. Hot beverages are offered, and warm clothing is handed out during cold weather.
Potter's Place Mission
Free lunch and dinner every day in the Downtown Eastside at a church-run mission, for anyone who attends the church service just before the meal. Services are at 11am before the 12 noon lunch, and at 9pm before the 10pm dinner. Open to anyone, no referral needed.
Salvation Army - Harbour Light, Meal Program
Provides regular hot meal service at set times during the week in the Downtown Eastside. Meals are typically offered Monday to Friday at 11am and Saturdays at 4pm. This program provides a consistent source of food and may be accessed on a drop-in basis.
Harbour Light also operates additional support and recovery services on-site. Call or check website for details on meal availability and any access requirements.
St. Andrew's Wesley United Church
A West End church that runs several community programs open to the public, including a free monthly community meal (Nourishing Neighbours, listed separately), outreach initiatives, and support and social groups. Programs are generally free and open to all. Call 604-683-4574 or check standrewswesley.com for current program schedules.
Services & Programs (1)
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A free community meal held on the second Monday of each month at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, open to seniors, young adults and newcomers. Doors open at 5:45pm with dinner at 6pm. Registration is required in advance by emailing signup@standrewswesley.com.