Holiday Food Assistance : Christmas Baskets

Christmas baskets

Christmas baskets help a large number of families every year. Registered families receive a large box containing non-perishable food, hygiene products and more. 

• How to apply: interested persons should contact the organizations that serve their area and register on the list. Some organizations require a face-to-face meeting to assess the person’s family and financial situation. Others may ask that one becomes a member of their organization in order to access services. If you have received food assistance during the year, do not hesitate to inquire with the organization you received assistance from; they might have Christmas baskets reserved to their beneficiaries.
• Documents to be supplied: some organizations require a proof of income and a proof of residence, or family members’ health insurance cards.
• Cost: most baskets are free, but some organizations ask for a fee between $5 and $20. The cost may also vary according to the number of persons in the family, and some organizations may ask for membership fees.
• Registration period: largely October 1^st to November 30^th. Some organizations accept requests in September, and others accept applications beyond 30 November if their capacities permit.
• Distribution period: organizations hand out baskets during the 3 last weeks of December. 

N.B. Some organizations choose to provide checks or vouchers instead of regular baskets, but application and distribution procedures are the same. 

Christmas activities

During the holidays, in addition to food assistance services, some organizations offer Christmas activities. Some are free and others have a minimal cost. They are a good opportunity to share a warm meal, to break the isolation or to participate in family activities. These events take place in many towns and neighbourhoods and may allow to make valuable connections. Besides the community meals and dances for which one needs to register in advance, organizations such as Noël dans le Parc organize activities and shows that are open to all.