Cortes Food Bank has regular open hours in Mansons Landing and Whaletown.
If you or someone you know needs food, get in touch via email, contact form​, or phone (+1-672-202-0052) at least two days before your needed pick up date. This gives our Client Coordinator and volunteers a chance to check in with you and prepare your food ahead of time.
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Whaletown - Gorge Hall
Clients can pick up food hampers at the Gorge Hall in Whaletown on alternating Mondays from 10 am to 12 pm (noon).
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Mansons - Food Storage (parking lot at Mansons Hall)
Clients can pick up food hampers at the Mansons Hall food storage on alternating Tuesdays from 9:30 am to 11 am.
Food hamper pick up schedule
Click on a date on the calendar below to register for your food hamper. A client coordinator will be in touch to confirm your needs and pick-up time.
We are here to help, with healthy food and a welcoming team.
Reach out through our contact form, email, or phone to let us know your needs, choose a pick up time, and location. Hampers are put together by volunteers two days before our open hours.
Find out more about who we are, our values, goals and policies.
What to expect when you reach out to our team for support
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a food hamper?
Get in touch with us:
We will ask some questions to find out what you need, and get you registered. Food hampers are put together by volunteers and can be picked up in Mansons on alternating Tuesdays at our food storage shed in the parking lot at Manson’s Community Hall, or at the Gorge Hall in Whaletown on alternating Mondays.
I’ve never needed the food bank before, and I’m nervous. What can I expect?
We understand that making the decision to come to a Food Bank can be a difficult one. You’re not alone. We serve community members of all ages and walks of life. Our staff and volunteers work to create a positive, safe, and welcoming environment for our clients. You can expect to be welcomed, treated with patience, understanding, dignity and respect.
How much food can I get?
Anyone on Cortes Island can connect with the Food Bank to receive a pre-made food hamper. These boxes contain 10 – 14 grocery items, and sometimes more, depending on any extra food we have at the time. The amount of food you’ll receive is based on the number of people in your household. We try to offer food that will be appropriate to a variety of ages, as needed. Pet food is sometimes available. We are committed to making sure that the food we obtain is equitably divided between everyone who needs it. This is why we ask you to register with us, and keep us regularly updated on how much food you require.
What is in a food hamper?
We try to offer a good variety of non-perishable, healthy food. The kind of food we have available depends on what we've been able to get from our partners. We try to offer a mix of staples that span all of the food groups, including fish, beans and vegetables, pasta and sauces, stews, condiments, and a selection of easy to prepare meals, if available.
Some of our donations come in the form of money, which allows us to fill in some of the gaps and order in bulk. If you have special needs or allergies, it might be possible for us to accommodate them. Please discuss with a food bank team member.
How will my privacy and safety be protected?
Our team takes your privacy and safety very seriously. We will never share your name, contact information, or details about your relationship to the food bank without your express consent. We do not tolerate the harassment or bullying of anyone using food bank services, and will advocate for your dignity and wellbeing in any way we can.
Unfortunately, being part of a smaller community and having fairly visible pick up locations, we cannot guarantee that people won’t see you when you come to collect your hamper. We have tried to schedule pick-ups for times when other activities in the neighbourhood are at a minimum. We will continue to work on creating more options for pick-up locations and delivery.
We are also working on eliminating negative associations that might come with accessing food from the Food Bank. Food is a human right! Read more about our mission, values, and policies, here.
How can I get food if I’m unwell and staying at home?
There are several options:
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A friend or trusted neighbour can pick up your food for you, please discuss with a coordinator.
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You can contact us and we might be able to arrange delivery to your neighbourhood or home through one of volunteers or community partners.
Get in touch by telephone at +1-672-202-0052 or send us a message on our contact form.