Q & A

Q - I am new to the food bank, what do I have to bring in with me for my first visit, and will I get some food on my first visit?

 A – Medicare card if you have it, if not some sort of ID.  You will be given food at your first visit, and be given a list of documents that you must present if you want to visit again.  Be prepared to sit down for an interview, this may take awhile, depending upon how busy we are for the day. 

The following information is what will be needed to establish a file.  These documents will be required for your second visit.  If you have them ALL available you could bring them with you for your first visit.

 Q – You are not open today, but I am in need of food – can I get something today to tide me over until you are open?

A – If the situation is an emergency, then you will  receive food help even though it is an off day. 

Q – Someone else is coming to pick up my box or, I need a box and cannot get there to pick it up. Sometimes they cannot get here during our posted open hours. 

A – You may have someone pick up your food box, provided you call us ahead, and tell us who is picking up your box.   You can also make an arrangement for a food box pick up outside the designated pick up times. If unable to come into the Food Bank, you may also call Neighborhood Link and schedule a volunteer from there to come in and pick up your box.  You must call both Neighborhood Link, and the Food Bank to make sure the request is processed.  Neighborhook Link requires a week advance notice to schedule your food box pickup.  

Neighborhood Link is a group of church volunteers who assist people in the community with drives to Dr. appointments, to the Food Bank, and other services.

Q – I have already been in this month, can I come in again.

A –  Our policy is once per month, but sometimes we do make exceptions on occasional basis. An interview may be required to process a second box request.

Q – I need help with my power bill, or cash help.

A – We can give food assistance only; we do not give cash assistance and are not aware of anyone in the community who does.

 Q – I need furniture, or I have furniture to donate:

A – We do not have a furniture program anymore.   Anti Poverty may have furniture, a small fee is required. They may also be interested in your donation, or  Community Living is another option. You can advertise free in bargainer, frederictonfreecycle.com web page or look on KIKIJI

Q – I am interested in helping the Food Bank, how can I do that?

A – All questions pertaining to fundraising events, helping out, and volunteering are refered directly to the Executive Director.

Q – I need to come to the Food Bank, what do I need to do?

A -  Come in on a Monday or Thursday between 10 and 2:30.

Bring with you:

  • Medicare cards of everyone in the household
  • Health cards from Income Assistance – if applicable
  • Proof of Address – power bill, drivers license or lease agreement
  • Proof of Income
  • All income that applies to you or anyone else in your family that you are applying for, such as
    • Child tax benefit stubs
    • EI, Pension, Disability if you get a check
    • Pay stub if you are employed
  • Student loan – bring in your “Notice of Assessment

    • All information is strictly kept in confidence.  Privacy Policies and procedures are followed.

    Q – What will happen, how do I get registered, for how long, and how many times can I come?

    A - When you come for first visit, you will be interviewed, and someone will go over your income and expenses, and set you up on a one month, two month or three month period.  After your first visit, you can choose the Monday or Thursday that you wish to come to the Food Bank for the time frame set.  You do not need to call ahead, or book a appointment. If you need to use the Food Bank for longer, then another visit with the interviewer will be set up on your next visit.

    You can access the Food Bank one time per month.

    Q – What happens if I do not have a vehicle, or have a disability that I cannot come into the Food Bank?

    A – The Food Bank has wheelchair access.  Everyone must come in for their first initial registration.  After that, if you are a shut in, then a delivery day each month is set up, where a volunteer will bring your box.  However, there is not a choice as to when the box comes to you each month.  The date is preset each month.  Deliveries are also available on the First and Third Tuesday of the month to 3 locations in Fredericton.  Pre registration for the Food Bank mobile must be done, each month.

    Remember:  We are volunteer based, and for safety of volunteers are closed on School Storm Days. We are also closed on all Public  Holidays.