FAQ
To download a Fact Sheet about The Mississauga Food Bank, click here.
To download our 2008-2009 Annual report, click here.
What is a Food Bank?
This is a commonly asked question and there are many misconceptions about the specific role that a food bank plays within the community.
Food banks serve the community by acquiring and warehousing food and other necessities from numerous public and private sources. This food is then distributed throughout the year to eligible people in need.
Sources of product include donations from food manufacturers, distributors and retailers, private donors, community food drives and various transport companies. To balance out inventories, some food banks are often forced to purchase additional products (such as baby formula when supplies are low) using funds provided by private individuals, corporations, charitable foundations and various public and private grants.
Where is The Mississauga Food Bank located?
We are located at 2550 Goldenridge Road, Unit # 36 in the Dixie-Dundas area of Mississauga. While we are accessible by public transportation (Dundas bus No. 1 to Wharton Way), we recommend clients make alternate arrangements for the return trip in order to carry the groceries we provide.
How does The Mississauga Food Bank help the hungry?
We help the hungry in two ways. First, by servicing people in need directly at our on site food bank in Mississauga. Second, we distribute food to approximately 30 programs, including other food banks, children’s breakfast programs, homeless and abuse shelters and soup kitchens. To get a list of the agencies we serve click here.
Who is eligible to get food from The Mississauga Food Bank?
Anyone in need living in Mississauga is welcome at our 2550 Goldenridge Road facility. Clients will be asked to provide proof that they are residents of Mississauga. This includes providing identification with their name and mailing addresses for all adults in the family. If you have children, you will be asked to provide proof of identification (name and birth date) such as a birth certificate, passport etc. You will also be asked for proof of monthly income, (pay slips, Child Tax Credit, etc.), a rent receipt, lease agreement, or mortgage statement in order for us to complete a needs and eligibility assessment.
How does The Mississauga Food Bank get its food?
National and local food manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, brokers and food distributors as well as thousands of individuals donate food and related products to The Mississauga Food Bank.
How are food safety and nutrition managed?
Our products, including packaged, canned, perishable and non-perishable foods, meet all Canadian food safety standards as well as nutrition standards as per the Canada Food Guide. Our warehouse staff are trained in Food Handling and Safety. When food drive food arrives at the food bank, our volunteers sort the food and check for dates and dents. Although we are diligent in this process, remember that is it the food bank clients’ ultimate responsibility to check the products prior to consumption. Each food order is a 7 to 10-day supplement for an individual or family.
What kind of food is provided?
Clients receive enough food to provide nutritionally balanced meals for 7 to 10 days. Upon registration, frequency of access is determined, with the most common frequency being every 4 weeks. Food provided includes: perishable and non-perishable products such as: fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen meat and dairy products, fresh juice, bread, cereal, canned fish, meat, vegetables and fruit; stew; peanut butter and jam, macaroni and cheese, pasta sauce, soup, crackers, rice or noodles, beans, baby formula and baby food. Non-food items (e.g. tooth paste, soap, toilet paper etc.) are also frequently donated and distributed to clients.
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