About the Food Access Guide

The Food Access Guide lists places in Hamilton, Ontario where food can be obtained for free or at low cost.

In 1997, the City of Hamilton Public Health Services created the Food Access Guide as mandated by the Government of Ontario. All public health units were to develop and disseminate an inventory of local programs and services which increase access to healthy foods. In 2008 when provincial mandates changed, a City of Hamilton Public Health Services survey found that service providers valued the Food Access Guide and supported its continuation.

A grant from the Hamilton Community Foundation enabled to the integration of the Food Access Guide with the Red Book of Hamilton services database. A version of the guide that updates in real time was developed in 2018.

In December 2018, the database for the Red Book of Hamilton was transitioned to the Hamilton Public Library (HPL). In 2019, HPL re-engaged City of Hamilton Public Health Services to collaborate on the Food Access Guide.

To suggest changes to this guide, please contact us at:

Red Book by Hamilton Public Library
Phone: 905-546-3200
Email: redbook@hpl.ca
Online: Visit redbook.hpl.ca and use the Suggest an Update links