Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to the most popular questions we receive. Donors can visit the specific donation page to learn more.

Still can’t find the information you need on our website? Please contact us.

I can't afford to eat. How do I get access to food?

We are very sorry to hear about your situation. Many community organizations offer food assistance throughout Quebec. Click here for a map of the organizations affiliated with our network so that you can find the one closest to you or that best meets your needs.

You can also call 2-1-1 or consult the directory on its website: Greater Montreal or Other regions. This helpline provides a free and confidential service in more than 150 languages and will help you finding a resource.

Please note that we (Food Banks of Quebec) do not offer direct assistance to the population, as we are an association.

What are the requirements for receiving food assistance?

Each community organization offers different services with different requirements. We therefore advise you to consult the organization’s website or to call for information before heading out.

Often, in order to qualify for food assistance, an evaluation of the applicant’s file is done. Evaluation is always conducted in a respectful and non-judgmental manner.

Please note that many agencies set a limit on how often certain food assistance services are offered to the same person (for example, once a month). Some services also require a nominal fee of a few dollars.

I have some food to donate, what do I do?

Our organization (Food Banks of Quebec) handles large quantities of food, and we only accept donations of one pallet or more. We encourage you to donate a smaller amount to one of our members in your area or to a local community affiliate near you.

Agri-businesses interested in making a multi-pallet donation, which will have an impact across the province, should visit the Food Donation page or simply email denrees@banquesalimentaires.org. We can store, handle, and distribute several hundred pallets per week.

Thank you for your generosity!

What do food banks need most?

Needs vary by region, but the logistics costs are a major challenge for all food banks in the network. So please consider making a financial donation.

In terms of food needs, the following products are in high demand:

Pasta
Rice
Canned meat and fish
Powdered and canned soups and stews
Canned fruits and vegetables
Flour
Cereals
Peanut butter
Canned and powdered milk
Fruit juices
Pasta sauces
Beans and vegetables
Formula and baby food

How does $1 donation = 2 meals?

Monetary donations are essential to allow the daily operations of our members and to finance the cost of the infrastructure (trucks, freezers, etc.) that allow the recovery of foodstuffs. It is important to understand that Food Banks of Quebec very rarely purchases foodstuffs, but rather advocates a circular economic model in which foodstuffs that would have been wasted (surpluses from agri-food companies and supermarkets) are diverted to food assistance instead.

With a $1 donation, we can offer about 1 kg of food. The average adult serving size is 0.5 kg of food. So, a $1 donation = 1 kg = 2 meals.

Do you accept volunteers?

Volunteers are essential to the day-to-day operations of food assistance agencies. Many essential tasks are accomplished by hard-working volunteers: sorting in the warehouse, trucking, processing food, welcoming vulnerable people, etc. Contact the Moisson in your area to offer your time!

Please note that since our organization (Food Banks of Quebec) does not directly operate a food distribution centre, we rarely need volunteers. However, we sometimes need interns or volunteers for certain administrative tasks (appeals, member services, special projects, etc.).

Is Food Banks of Quebec (FBQ) a trusted organization?

Yes, FBQ is a non-profit organization that has existed since 1988. It is recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency as a registered charity. It is governed by general by-laws and a board of directors made up of highly experienced administrators.

We are a five-star, top 100 charity on Charity Intelligence’s website.

FBQ is a provincial member of Food Banks Canada. In 2024, FBQ received accreditation to Food Banks Canada’s new Standards of Excellence program that cover all areas of food bank operations to ensure overall operational excellence across the entire network. Designed as a baseline set of standards to which the food banking network holds itself accountable, the Standards of Excellence program provides a framework for food banks to identify opportunities for innovation and performance improvements in the areas of client service and care, food operations, safe food handling and more. The standards also reflect the food banking network’s thought leadership and commitment to continually enhance our collective capabilities to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow.

How do I make a complaint about a food bank?

Do you have a complaint or concern? FBQ and its network are committed to providing excellent service. To provide feedback, please contact the Food Banks Canada’s Customer Experience Hotline at 1-877-280-0329. This hotline is managed by a neutral third party, promoting a collaborative problem-solving approach and greater transparency across the food bank network.

You can also e-mail us at plaintes@banquesalimentaires.org. A member of our team will follow up.

I am a non-profit organization that provides food assistance. How do I become part of the Food Banks of Quebec network?

If you are supplied by one of the Moisson members of Food Banks of Quebec, you are already part of the network as an Affiliate member. Take advantage of this opportunity to verify that your organization is listed on our map.

If it is not, please contact the Moisson in your area to become accredited and start receiving foodstuffs through them.

If you wish to apply to be recognized as a Moisson member or Associate member, contact info@banquesalimentaires.org