Through funding provided by the Ministry of Education and Child Care (Feeding Futures), every NVSD school ensures healthy food is available to all students during the school day.

Depending on the school, food may be in classrooms and/or other spaces frequented by students. Choices may include fruit, vegetables, protein, dairy products, bagels, granola bars, sandwiches and other popular or requested items.

Students are encouraged to eat the food they brought to school first, and then they are invited to freely self-select items.

Every student has access to food while at school. Families who need support with food access outside school are encouraged to connect with local agencies, some of which are listed below. Families may also want to visit the North Shore Food Providers web page, maintained by Table Matters.

North Shore Salvation Army

The North Shore Salvation Army offers a take away meal for those in need, Monday to Friday for pick-up between 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. The North Shore Salvation Army also sells frozen, prepared meals for pick-up or delivery available to everyone. Deliveries are on Tuesday and Thursday and a minimum order must be met. Their menus change weekly. Learn more on tablematters.ca/food-providers.

Serving: Meal program for people in need; frozen meals open to anyone
Cost: Free; paid – price varies
Type: Prepared meals to take away; frozen meals for pick-up or delivery
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1-4 p.m.
Location: 12th St W, North Vancouver
Contact: tablematters.ca/food-providers

Harvest Project

The Harvest Project provides food support provided through the Client Care program. Through their onsite grocery depot, they supply clients and their families with groceries on a monthly basis. The Harvest Project’s approach is to provide each client with the power of choice.

Serving: Clients of the Harvest Project
Cost: Free
Type: Grocery assistance
Hours of operation: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Note: their office doors are not currently open to drop-in visitors
Contact: Harvest Project website, info@harvestproject.org, 604-983-9488

North Shore Neighbourhood House

The North Vancouver Food Bank is operated by the North Shore Neighbourhood House. Working with a variety of community partners including the Sharing Gardens and FoodMesh, the North Vancouver food Bank is able to offer a variety of fresh, local, and seasonal products. To receive food from the North Vancouver Food Bank, you must be a client of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

Serving: Clients of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank
Cost: Free
Type: Grocery hampers
Hours of operation: Wednesdays, 9 am-6 pm
Location: 225 East 2nd Street, North Vancouver
Contact: North Vancouver Food Bank Updates, frontdesk@nsnh.bc.ca, 604-987-8138

Family Services North Shore

Family Services North Shore supports a variety of food programming including:

1. Groceries: Grocery assistance and delivery to vulnerable and/or isolated seniors and families. This program is a partnership with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and North Shore Neighbourhood House.
2. Christmas Bureau: This program provides gift baskets and grocery gift cards to families during the holidays.
3. Hot Meals & Meal Delivery for Seniors: This program provides hot meals and meal delivery to isolated seniors. This program is a partnership with Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre

To receive food and other support from Family Services North Shore, please reach out to them to discuss your situation and eligibility.

Serving: Clients of Family Services North Shore
Cost: Free
Type: Grocery assistance; meals for seniors
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm
Location: 225 East 2nd Street, North Vancouver
Contact: intake@familyservices.bc.ca, 604-988-5281

North Shore Woman’s Centre

Through the North Shore Salvation Army distributes fresh food boxes to individuals in the community. To receive a food box, you must first register in person.

Serving: Clients of the North Shore Salvation Army
Cost: Free
Type: Grocery hampers
Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 9 am-12:30 pm and 1-4 pm
Location: 12th St W, North Vancouver
Contact: North Shore Woman's Centre, 604-988-7225

Quest Food Program

Quest Food Exchange Program is a food recovery and redistribution not-for-profit organization that provides dignified access to a variety of affordable and healthy foods to individuals facing food security challenges in British Columbia.

If you are an individual facing economic barriers, the Quest markets can help provide you with access to healthy and affordable food. Learn more about becoming a Quest client here.

Serving: Quest clients
Cost: Low cost
Type: Grocery shopping
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday: 9 am-5:45 pm, Saturday: 9 am-3:45 pm
Location: 167 1st Street East, North Vancouver (Market Entrance from Lolo Lane)
Contact: Quest: non-profit grocery markets

The school district is a signatory to the North Shore Community Food Charter, which is a high-level, locally developed policy tool that demonstrates a commitment to sustainable food on the North Shore.