Core Food-Support Services – No Cost and No Conditions Policy

1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all core food-support services are provided to clients at no financial cost and without being explicitly or implicitly tied to any other requirements or conditions.

This policy affirms the organization’s commitment to equitable access, dignity, and non-discrimination in the delivery of food assistance.

2. Scope
This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, board members, and representatives involved in the delivery of food-support services.

3. Policy Statement
Core food-support services are provided free of charge.

Access to food-support services will not be:

• Conditional upon payment of fees or donations
• Dependent on volunteer participation
• Tied to participation in religious or faith-based activities
• Linked to attendance at programs, workshops, or events
• Contingent upon advocacy, political affiliation, or other forms of participation

Clients may be invited to participate in additional programs, volunteer opportunities, community activities, or faith-based activities offered by the organization; however, participation is entirely voluntary and must not affect eligibility for, timing of, or quantity of food provided.

No client shall be pressured, coerced, or made to feel obligated to provide money, services, or participation in exchange for receiving food assistance.

4. Voluntary Donations
The organization may accept voluntary donations to support its programs and services. However:

• Donations must never be requested as a condition of receiving food-support services.
• Refusal or inability to donate will not affect access to services.

5. Responsibilities
Staff and volunteers involved in food-support services are responsible for:

• Ensuring clients understand that participation in other programs or activities is optional
• Avoiding any language or behaviour that could be interpreted as coercive or conditional
• Raising any concerns regarding potential violations of this policy with organizational leadership.

6. Oversight and Compliance
The organization is responsible for ensuring that this policy is consistently followed.

To oversee and maintain this policy, the organization will:

Staff and Volunteer Training
Staff and volunteers will be informed of this policy during orientation and through periodic reminders to ensure they understand that food assistance must never be conditional.

Program Supervision
Program coordinators or designated leadership will periodically monitor service delivery to ensure food-support services are provided in accordance with this policy.

Feedback and Reporting
Clients, staff, and volunteers may raise concerns if they believe services are being presented as conditional. Any concerns will be reviewed by leadership and addressed promptly.

Periodic Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed periodically by organizational leadership to ensure it remains aligned with applicable regulations, funding requirements, and best practices.

7. Public Accessibility
To ensure transparency and accountability, this policy will be publicly available and posted on the organization’s website so that clients, partners, and community members can understand the organization’s commitment to providing food-support services free of charge and without conditions.