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Emergency Food Program (Venture Centre)

The Good Shepherd Venture Centre Emergency Food Program provides emergency food and clothing in an easily accessible environment for clients. We operate Monday to Friday with appointments scheduled for 9am, 10:30am, 1pm, and 2pm. Doors open at 8:30am and 12:30pm. We are closed for lunch from 11:45am to 12:30pm. Doors are closed for the day at 2:45pm. A friendly reminder to arrive on time for your appointment. Late arrivals may be required to reschedule at a later date.

The New Registration process is in person and on a first come, first served basis, so please arrive early (no later than 8:30AM or 12:30PM) since we have a daily registration capacity limit. *Please bring I.D. for all household members with proof of address when you register in person.

Contact Information

155 Cannon Street, Hamilton, ON L8L 2A6

905-972-9485

Christmas Programs
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EMERGENCY FOOD PROGRAM

Good Shepherd Venture Centre
155 Cannon Street East
Hamilton ON L8L 2A6
905.972.9485

Director: Michael Troskot

The Good Shepherd Venture Centre is modeled after a traditional grocery store where emergency food and clothing are easily accessible for clients. Unlike most emergency food programs, visitors choose what they want from our Marketplace. With the help of staff and volunteers, they push a grocery cart and shop the aisles for food, clothing and personal items.

PROGRAM REGISTRATION INFORMATION

  • All new registrations must sign up in person.
  • Registration is on a first come, first served basis.
  • Registration hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM-1:30 PM.
  • Please attend early (no later than 8:30AM or 12:30PM) since we have a daily registration capacity limit.
  • Appointments are scheduled for 9am, 10:30am, 1pm and 2pm.
  • Bring I.D. for all household members with proof of address when you register in person. 

If you have questions about the food & clothing program, please call 905.972.9485.

Grocery and program hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 2:45 PM.  Doors open at 8:30 AM. 
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Christmas Marketplace 2025

The Christmas Marketplace runs from Monday November 24, 2025, until Wednesday December 24, 2025, at 12PM (Noon). 

  • Deadline for registrations is Friday November 21, 2025 at 12pm. 
  • New registrations will be closed during the Christmas Marketplace program
  • Registered Venture Centre clients can request an appointment when shopping or in person in late October and early November. 
  • Call volume is very high at the Venture Centre, call 905.972.9485 and press option 2, Monday to Friday 11AM – 11:45AM and 2PM-2:45PM for best results.

The Christmas Marketplace will offer:

  • Toys (ages 0-2, 3-5, 6-9)
  • Gift cards (ages 10-16)
  • Essential winter clothing
  • Perishable and non-perishable food items

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Information about Best Before Dates & Food Shelf Life
Best before dates are a guideline for unopened non-perishable and perishable food products with the exception of baby and nutritional products. Safe dates past are a guideline when unopened and stored as recommended. Safe dates vary by product. For details click here.


Community Outreach Programs
Registered members of Venture Centre Marketplace can pre-register for any of these sessions by calling 905.972.9485, press Option 1.

ALL OUTREACH PROGRAMS ARE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED
More Information about services:

 

Watch You Are Worth It: An Inspiring Look at Good Shepherd’s Venture Centre

For information about food and clothing drives or how to donate food, clothing and household items click here.

 

Funding support for this program is provided in part by the City of Hamilton’s City Enrichment Fund.

 

© 2025 Good Shepherd