Nanaimo’s Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank is open at depots across the city, 7 days a week.
When you view the schedule with the depot locations online, there are two kinds listed: drop-in and by appointment only.
I started out as a food bank user attending the drop-in locations at Farquhar and Brechin United Church. Recently, I was recovering from surgery and didn’t have the endurance to wait in line at a drop-in, so I started making appointments at Christ Community Church instead.
To be honest, now that I have switched to appointments, I don’t think I will go back to drop-in! However, there are good reasons to have both options available.
Drop-in:
*Available on short notice. This is helpful for crisis situations.
*Good for people who need a flexible schedule.
*An option for those who don’t have online access or capacity to book an appointment.
Appointments:
*Very little waiting or standing in line.
*Times are easily booked online. Slots open up exactly 8 days before the depot date.
*Users can plan their schedule since they have an exact booking.
Both kinds of depots share these traits:
*A common set-up with tables and food bins hosted by volunteers.
*Earlier clients tend to have a better selection, especially of “treats”. If this is important to you, you’ll want to get in line at a drop-in at least an hour before opening or book your appointment as early as possible.
No matter which type of depot you visit, Loaves and Fishes is a blessing to clients. This service is the number one program that I recommend to low-income residents in need of support.
Poverty Advocacy Nanaimo 