Please Note: Due to the COVID-19 crisis, some of our programs have been put on hiatus until further notice. The Food Bank hours have been reduced to Tuesdays to Fridays from 9:00 am to noon, and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with no Saturday hours until September 11, 2020.
The Caldwell Family Centre offers a wide range of programs and services for low-income families and individuals in Ottawa.
Drop-In Centre
Monday to Friday 8:30am to noon, and 1:00pm to 4:00pm
- Meet friends and enjoy a coffee or tea
- Computer access and free WiFi
- Printer and fax available
Food Security Programs
Food Bank (see map for food bank catchment area – click map to view enlarged version):
- Tuesdays to Thursdays – 9:00am to noon and 1:00pm to 4:00pm
- Fridays – 9:00am to noon and 1:00pm to 6:00pm
- Saturdays – help serve from 9:00am to noon
- Wednesday food delivery to those who live in the catchment area and are unable to get to the Family Centre for pick up
Meals and Snacks – Mondays to Fridays:
- breakfast 9:00am to 11:00am
- lunch 1:00pm to 2:30pm
- healthy afterschool snacks for kids
- PD Days, March Break, and Summer Day Camp snacks and meals for kids
Cooking Workshops:
- Participants learn to cook, and can take home food to share with their families
- Call for times and dates
Christmas Hamper Program:
- Registration starts in October
- Call or visit to register
Children and Youth Programs
Baby Depot – Wednesday, 8:30am to noon; Thursday, 1:00pm to 3:00pm
- Provides supplies such as baby formula, food, cereal and diapers for newborn to 3 years old
Toy Library – Wednesday, 8:30am to noon; Thursday, 1:00pm to 3:00pm
- Lends toys for ages newborn to 4 years old
School Backpack Program:
- For kids attending kindergarten to grade 8
- Must live in the food bank catchment area
- Registration in June and July
After School Programs – Monday to Thursday, 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Closed during the summer school vacation, March Break, and PD Days
- Ages 6 to 10 years; homework, social-recreational skills and fun!
- Ages 11 to 15 years; homework, leadership skills, community connectedness and fun!
Summer Day Camp:
- No-cost, safe, and creative learning experience for children 6 to 12 years, with a focus on participation, not competition
- Each camp session runs two weeks in July and August
- Registration in May and June
Scholarships:
- Awarded to students who have shown the most improvement during their high school career
- Can be used for college, university, or trades training
- Applications accepted in April and May
Clothing Depot – Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9:00am to noon; Thursdays and Fridays 9:00am to 2:00pm
- Clothing for men, women, and children
- Household items such as bedding, towels, dishware
Sewing Program
- Learn to sew to gain employment, or start your own business
- Help with resume writing and interview skills available
- Registration required
- Call for dates and times
