About
The OCSU Food Bank is a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space for OC students experiencing short-term food insecurity. We offer a selection of non-perishable items, bread, and basic hygiene products right on campus. Students can drop in during posted hours to pick up what they need-no questions asked and with complete confidentiality.
For ongoing or long-term assistance, please visit the Community Resources section at the bottom of this page.
Food Bank Guidelines
Members are welcome to access the Food Bank every two weeks
Members may take a maximum of 10 items per visit
Hours and Location
The Food Bank Summer Hours of Operation/ Drop In Times: May 4th - August 31st
Tuesdays & Thursdays from 12-2pm
Please note: There will be times we will be closed due to vacation time or staff working off-campus.We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Location:
PE C14 The OCSU Office (Sunoka)
Donations
Food Donations
We are always grateful for donations! Non-perishable food items, as well as unopened toiletries and hygiene supplies, are always welcome. Please see our general guidelines below for items we can and cannot accept.
Food donations may be brought directly to the OCSU office during business hours.
We can accept:
Canned foods such as:
Soup
Vegetables
Fish/meats
Fruit
Boxed dinners, such as:
Kraft Dinner
Sidekicks
Ben’s Original Rice
Cereal (must be factory sealed in packaging)
Tea (must be an unopened box, or individually packaged teabags)
Baby food/formula
Diapers
Toilet paper
Hand soap (liquid or bar)
Shampoo/conditioner/body wash (travel or full size) (must be unused/unopened)
We cannot accept:
Anything past its expiration date
Anything that has been used or opened, or is not in its original packaging
Homemade or home packaged food
Perishable food, or food that has a short shelf life
Food that requires refrigeration
If you wouldn’t take it, please don’t donate it!
Monetary Donations
Donate through OC Foundation (tax receipt given)
OC Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to supporting students in a variety of ways, and we are thankful that they have chosen to support the OCSU Food Bank as well. Donations made through OC Foundation may be distributed to food security programs on other campuses (like the Pantry in Kelowna), so this is a great option for anyone who wants to support students across campuses. Donations may be made online and are tax receipt eligible. Make sure to select the OC Student Pantry Support Fund to designate your funds to our food security services.
Frequently Asked Questions
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All currently enrolled Okanagan College students
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No additional ID or paperwork is needed-we operate on trust and confidentiality. We only ask for your Okanagan College student 300 number to confirm enrollment.
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Students are welcome to access the Food Bank once per week and may take up to 8 items
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Monday 12-2pm, Tue 11-2pm, Wed 12-2pm, Thur 11-2pm and friday’s closed
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A rotating selection of non-perishable items, bread, and basic hygiene products. Availability varies based on donations.
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We do our best to accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian or gluten-free when supplies allow.
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Fill out the volunteer application form HERE we’ll contact you with next steps and training info.
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Visit the Community Resources section at the bottom of this page for local programs and support beyond short-term assistance.
Community Resources
There are many organizations in the Okanagan Valley that can help you if you need assistance beyond what OCSU can provide. We have listed some of them here.
Disclaimer: These listings are intended for information and reference only. Inclusion on this list does not indicate endorsement from OCSU. We have made our best attempts to ensure the listings are accurate, relevant to students, and are safe and inclusive for all.
Penticton Salvation Army Food Bank: 250-492-4788 2469 | South Main St. | Open Mon-Fri
Soupateria: (Free daily lunch 11:30am-12:30pm) | 150 Orchard St. (Corner of Martin) | 250-492-2415
Vincent De Paul- Food Hampers: 250-492-2082 *must have home address for delivery
Oasis United Church Food Cupboard: 250-770-0182 2964 Skaha Lake Road | Drop in Monday and Friday | 10am—Noon
Summerland Food Bank & Resource Centre: 13204 Henry Ave | Open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm Closed 12pm-1pm | Call for appointment 778-516-0015
Cawston/Keremeos Food Bank: 250-492-4788 | 2334 Newton Road, Cawston | Every 3rd Thursday of the month
Osoyoos Food Bank: Tues-Fri 9am-12pm | 250-495-6581 *Call for monthly hamper
Oliver Food Bank: 250-535-0566 | 6047 Station St | Open 3rd Wednesday of month
Volunteer
Interested in helping out? We rely on volunteers to keep the Food Bank running smoothly. If you’d like to get involved, please fill out the volunteer application below.