--- title: DAO Market | Free Food Support in Durham Region description: Visit the DAO Market in Oshawa for free, choice-based food support. Book a Thursday appointment and shop for available food and essentials. image: https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/hubfs/DAO%20Market%20Logo.svg --- [Skip to Content](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/programs/market#body) [![DAO logo](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2-1.png?width=50&height=50&name=2-1.png "DAO logo")](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/about-us?hsLang=en-ca) Toggle Menu - [Home](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/about-us) - [About](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/about-us) Toggle children for About - [Blog](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/daoblog) - [Contact us](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/en-ca/contact-us) - [Membership](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/en-ca/membership) - [Videos](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/about-us/videos) - [Programs](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/programs) Toggle children for Programs - [Pride Durham](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/pridedurham) - [Club 717](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/club717) Toggle children for Club 717 - [Advertising](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/advertising) - [Venue Rental](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/venue-rental) - [Peer-to-Peer (P2P)](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/breaking-the-binary) - [Pantry](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/programs/market) - [Education](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/education) Toggle children for Education - [Budgeting Basics](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/budgeting-basics) - Community Supports Toggle children for Community Supports - [Binders & Gaffs](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/programs/binder-gaffs-sign-up-sheet) - [Calming Kits](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/programs/calming-kits) - [Naloxone](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/programs/naloxone) - [Events](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/events) - Get Involved Toggle children for Get Involved - [Keep 717 Thriving](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/keep-thriving) - [Shop](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/store) - [Volunteer](https://www.vomevolunteer.com/organization-details/48c4382b-410e-433e-8cfd-ef28abed4bf3) - [Partners](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/partners) - [Donate](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/donate) Toggle children for Donate - [Benevity](https://causes.benevity.org/causes/124-756405874RR0001) - [Canada Helps](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/donate/canada-helps) - [Donate-A-Car](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/donate/donate-a-car) - [Kitchen Fundraiser](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/en-ca/kitchen-fundraiser) - [Securities](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/donate/securities) - [Contact](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/en-ca/contact-us) - Open Search Search Site Submit Search - [Get Support](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/supports) ![DAO Market logo featuring the DAO wordmark, Pride colours, wheat, an apple and a shopping basket](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/hubfs/DAO%20Market%20Logo.svg) DAO Market # Food with choice, dignity and respect Free, choice-based food support for individuals and families in Durham Region. The DAO Pantry is becoming the **DAO Market**. Beginning **Thursday, August 6, 2026**, community members can select available food and essential products in a welcoming, grocery-style environment. The DAO Market is operated by Durham Alliance Outreach in partnership with **Feed the Need in Durham**. Thursdays · 3:30 p.m.–7:15 p.m. **Visits are by appointment.** [Book Your Market Appointment](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ0ct_3BcpxFvoG1ril61k5vLhF8rArJa2ufG9Iz6kA0OTqQf03tQuO6Gv-tpbCVChPXmB_84ZcJ) How It Works # Shop for the food your household will use The DAO Market offers a more dignified, choice-based way to access free food and essential items. Instead of receiving a pre-packed hamper, households with a scheduled appointment can select from the food and products available during their visit. Available inventory changes each week depending on donations and deliveries, and some products may have individual limits. 1\. Book your appointment 2\. Arrive at your scheduled time 3\. Shop the Market Choose an available Thursday appointment through our online booking calendar. Appointments help reduce wait times and manage the number of people shopping at once. [Book Your Market Appointment](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ0ct_3BcpxFvoG1ril61k5vLhF8rArJa2ufG9Iz6kA0OTqQf03tQuO6Gv-tpbCVChPXmB_84ZcJ) Check in with a DAO Market volunteer at the rear entrance of Unit 8. Please arrive at the time shown in your confirmation rather than significantly early. Select available products based on your household’s assigned basket size. All products must fit fully inside your assigned basket or baskets without overflowing. Plan Your Visit # Book your DAO Market appointment Appointments are required for the full Market shopping experience. Use our online booking calendar to choose an available Thursday appointment. Appointments help us manage capacity, reduce wait times and give each household enough time to shop comfortably. Please book only **one appointment per household for each eligible visit**. Duplicate appointments may be cancelled. **Arrival note** > **Please arrive at the appointment time shown in your confirmation. Arriving early does not guarantee earlier entry, and waiting space is limited.**   #### Market hours **Thursdays** **3:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.** #### Location **Durham Alliance Outreach** [717 Wilson Road South, Unit 8 Oshawa, Ontario L1H 6E9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/oRMmZoViPeAzxDhu5) **Entrance:** Rear entrance of Unit 8, near the loading doors. Need help booking or require an accommodation? Call [905-738-8133 ext. 0556](tel:+19057388133). email [pantry@durhamallianceoutreach.org](mailto:pantry@durhamallianceoutreach.org) [Book Your Market Appointment](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ0ct_3BcpxFvoG1ril61k5vLhF8rArJa2ufG9Iz6kA0OTqQf03tQuO6Gv-tpbCVChPXmB_84ZcJ) Shopping Guidelines # Your shopping amount is based on household size Each registered household receives an assigned basket limit to help distribute available food fairly. ![brown shopping basket](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/hs-fs/hubfs/brown%20basket.png?width=150&height=150&name=brown%20basket.png "brown shopping basket") ![ChatGPT Image Jul 10, 2026, 10\_49\_29 PM](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/hs-fs/hubfs/ChatGPT%20Image%20Jul%2010%2c%202026%2c%2010_49_29%20PM.png?width=150&height=150&name=ChatGPT%20Image%20Jul%2010%2c%202026%2c%2010_49_29%20PM.png "ChatGPT Image Jul 10, 2026, 10_49_29 PM") ![ChatGPT Image Jul 10, 2026, 10\_51\_34 PM](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/hs-fs/hubfs/ChatGPT%20Image%20Jul%2010%2c%202026%2c%2010_51_34%20PM.png?width=150&height=84&name=ChatGPT%20Image%20Jul%2010%2c%202026%2c%2010_51_34%20PM.png "ChatGPT Image Jul 10, 2026, 10_51_34 PM") Household of 1–2 people Household of 3–4 people Household of 5 or more people **One small arm basket** All selected products must fit fully inside the basket without overflowing. **One rolling basket** All selected products must fit fully inside the basket without overflowing. **One small arm basket and one rolling basket** All selected products must fit fully inside both assigned baskets without overflowing. Items may not be balanced on top, carried separately or placed outside the assigned basket limit. Some high-demand or limited-supply products may also have individual item limits. Posted limits must be followed even when there is still room in your basket. Need Another Option? ## Missed appointments and express bags Scheduled appointments provide the full Market shopping experience. A limited number of pre-packed express bags may be available when appointments are missed or unavailable. ## Missed or late appointments Please make every effort to arrive at your scheduled appointment time. If you arrive late, we may not be able to provide the full Market shopping experience. Late entry depends on the remaining appointment schedule, Market capacity and available shopping time. If we cannot accommodate your shopping appointment, you may be offered an express bag if one is still available. A missed appointment does not reserve or guarantee an express bag. If you know you cannot attend, please cancel or reschedule using the link in your booking confirmation so another household can use the appointment. ## Express bags A limited number of pre-packed express bags may be available during regular Market hours for: - People who missed their scheduled appointment - People who could not secure an appointment - Walk-in visitors seeking emergency food support Express bags are: - Available on a first-come, first-served basis - Offered only while supplies last - Pre-packed using available inventory - Not customizable like a Market shopping appointment - Not guaranteed Receiving an express bag does not include access to shop inside the Market. [Book Your Market Appointment](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ0ct_3BcpxFvoG1ril61k5vLhF8rArJa2ufG9Iz6kA0OTqQf03tQuO6Gv-tpbCVChPXmB_84ZcJ) \*Booking and attending an appointment is the best way to access the full choice-based Market experience. Who We Serve ## Food support for individuals and families in our community The DAO Market provides free food support to people experiencing food insecurity. ## Everyone is welcome ou do not need to be a member of Durham Alliance Outreach or Club 717 to access the DAO Market. You also do not need to identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. DAO was founded to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and our food-access services are available to the broader community. Everyone visiting the Market is expected to respect DAO’s safer-space standards and the dignity of other visitors, volunteers and staff. ## Visiting for the first time? New community members are welcome. When booking your first appointment, please provide accurate contact and household information. A DAO team member may confirm or complete your registration when you arrive. All household members included in your food support must be listed in your household registration. Your registered household size determines the basket amount available during your Market visit. DAO Market visits are recorded through Link2Feed, the shared registration and reporting system used by participating food-support organizations. ### Privacy note Your information helps us: - Confirm household size - Distribute food fairly - Understand community need - Meet program and reporting requirements Personal information will be handled respectfully and used only for appropriate program administration and service delivery. [Book Your First Market Appointment](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ0ct_3BcpxFvoG1ril61k5vLhF8rArJa2ufG9Iz6kA0OTqQf03tQuO6Gv-tpbCVChPXmB_84ZcJ) Accessibility ## Support is available for your visit We want the DAO Market to be as welcoming and accessible as possible. ## Need an accommodation? Community members who require disability-related assistance, communication support, help with booking, or another accommodation are encouraged to contact us before their appointment. Our team will work with you to identify reasonable support based on your needs and the resources available. Examples may include: - Help booking an appointment - Assistance during check-in - Support navigating the Market - Help carrying or organizing selected items - Communication accommodations - Alternate arrangements when an in-person visit creates a significant barrier > Please contact us as early as possible so we have time to prepare appropriate support. ### Market entrance The DAO Market entrance is located at the **rear of Unit 8**, near the loading doors. Please follow the posted DAO Market signs when you arrive. We recognize that the current entrance may present barriers for some community members, and DAO is actively working toward accessibility improvements. ### Contact us **Phone:** [905-738-8133](tel:+19057388133) ext. 0556 **Email:** [pantry@durhamallianceoutreach.org](mailto:pantry@durhamallianceoutreach.org) Community Expectations ## A respectful and safer space for everyone The DAO Market is operated within a 2SLGBTQIA+-affirming community organization. Everyone visiting the DAO Market is expected to help maintain a welcoming, respectful and safe environment. ### Please: - Treat visitors, volunteers and staff with respect - Respect names, pronouns, identities, cultures and personal boundaries - Follow appointment times, basket limits and volunteer directions - Protect the privacy of other community members - Keep neighbouring driveways, loading areas and entrances clear - Avoid photographing or recording others without their permission ### We do not permit: - Harassment or discrimination - Threatening, abusive or intimidating behaviour - Repeated refusal to follow Market procedures - Disruption of service or interference with other visitors - Conduct that creates an unsafe environment Anyone who engages in unsafe, threatening or repeatedly disruptive behaviour may be asked to leave. Conditions may also be placed on future visits. Please respect the privacy of everyone accessing food support. Do not share another visitor’s personal information, photograph them or discuss their visit without permission. Frequently Asked Questions ## What to know before your visit Find answers about appointments, shopping limits, express bags and what to expect at the DAO Market. Do I need an appointment? Yes. An appointment is required to shop inside the DAO Market and select your own items. A limited number of express bags may be available for people without appointments, but they are not guaranteed. How do I book an appointment? Use our online booking calendar to select an available Thursday appointment. [Book Your Market Appointment](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ0ct_3BcpxFvoG1ril61k5vLhF8rArJa2ufG9Iz6kA0OTqQf03tQuO6Gv-tpbCVChPXmB_84ZcJ) Please book only one appointment per household for each eligible visit. When should I arrive? Please arrive at the appointment time shown in your booking confirmation. Arriving early does not guarantee earlier entry, and waiting space is limited. What happens if I am late or miss my appointment? Late entry depends on the remaining appointment schedule, Market capacity and available shopping time. If we cannot accommodate your shopping appointment, you may be offered an express bag if one is available. Missing an appointment does not guarantee or reserve an express bag. What is an express bag? An express bag is a pre-packed selection of available food and pantry essentials. Express bags are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. They do not provide the same choice as a scheduled Market appointment. How much can my household shop for? Shopping amounts are based on registered household size: - **1–2 people:** one small arm basket - **3–4 people:** one rolling basket - **5 or more people:** one small arm basket and one rolling basket All items must fit fully inside the assigned basket or baskets without overflowing. Can I carry additional items outside my basket? No. Items may not be balanced on top, carried separately or placed outside the assigned basket limit. Some products may also have individual limits, even when there is space remaining in your basket. Will the same products be available every week? No. Available products depend on donations, deliveries and inventory. Specific items, brands and quantities cannot be guaranteed. Can food or express bags be reserved? No. Products and express bags cannot be held or reserved. What should I bring? Please bring reusable grocery bags, a cart or another safe way to carry your groceries. You should also bring any information needed to update your household registration. Is there a cost to use the DAO Market? No. There is no cost to shop at the DAO Market or receive an express bag. Do I need to identify as 2SLGBTQIA+? No. The DAO Market provides food support to the broader community. Everyone using the Market is expected to respect DAO’s 2SLGBTQIA+-affirming safer-space standards. Can someone shop on my behalf? Alternate arrangements may be considered when illness, disability or another significant barrier prevents you from attending. Please contact DAO before your appointment to discuss your situation. Approval is not automatic and may require confirmation. What if I need help booking or an accommodation? Contact us before your visit: **Phone:** [905-738-8133](tel:+19057388133) ext. 0556 **Email:** [pantry@durhamallianceoutreach.org](mailto:pantry@durhamallianceoutreach.org) [Book Your Market Appointment](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ0ct_3BcpxFvoG1ril61k5vLhF8rArJa2ufG9Iz6kA0OTqQf03tQuO6Gv-tpbCVChPXmB_84ZcJ) # Support food access in our community The DAO Market depends on donations, volunteers and community partnerships to provide free food and essential items each week. ## Donate needed items Community donations help us keep the Market stocked with food and household essentials. Frequently needed items include: - Canned meat and fish - Peanut butter - Pasta and pasta sauce - Canned fruit and vegetables - Soup and ramen - Rice and meal kits - Cereal and oatmeal - Granola bars and school snacks - Macaroni and cheese - Baby wipes - Diapers, especially sizes 4, 5 and 6 - Personal-care and hygiene products > Please donate unopened products in safe packaging and within an acceptable date. [View Our Current Wish List](https://www.example.com) ## Make a financial contribution Financial donations help DAO purchase high-demand food, fill inventory gaps and support the operation of the Market. Donations can help provide: - Fresh and refrigerated food - Essential products that are rarely donated - Market supplies and equipment - Transportation and food pickup costs - Emergency food support > Durham Alliance Outreach is a registered charity. Eligible donations may receive an official charitable tax receipt. [Donate to the DAO Market](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/donate?hsLang=en-ca) ## Volunteer with the DAO Market Volunteers help create a welcoming, organized and respectful shopping experience. Opportunities may include: - Receiving and sorting donations - Stocking shelves - Preparing express bags - Supporting appointment check-in - Assisting community members while they shop - Cleaning and organizing the Market - Helping with donation drives and food pickups [Explore Volunteer Opportunities](https://www.example.com) ## Partner with the DAO Market Businesses, community groups, schools and workplaces can support the Market by organizing food drives, sponsoring needed products, volunteering as a group or making a financial contribution. > Contact our team to discuss a food drive, workplace campaign, sponsorship or other community partnership.   [Contact Us About a Partnership](mailto:jason@durhamallianceoutreach.org) Working Together ## In partnership with Feed the Need in Durham The DAO Market is part of a broader community effort to improve access to food across Durham Region. The DAO Market is operated by **Durham Alliance Outreach** in partnership with **Feed the Need in Durham**. Through this partnership, DAO is moving from a traditional pantry model to a more dignified, choice-based Market experience where community members can select food and essential products based on their household needs. Feed the Need in Durham supports food banks and community food programs across the region by helping provide food, resources, coordination and shared systems. Together, we are working to: - Improve access to food - Increase choice and dignity - Reduce food waste - Respond to changing community needs - Strengthen local food-support services - Connect households with a broader network of support This partnership allows DAO to build on our existing food-access program while creating a more organized, equitable and welcoming experience for the community. [Learn More About Feed the Need in Durham](https://ftnd.ca/) - ![DAO Market Logo](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/hubfs/DAO%20Market%20Logo.svg) - ![feed the need in durham logo](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/nav_logo.svg) Ready to Visit? ## Book your DAO Market appointment Choose an available Thursday appointment and arrive at the time shown in your confirmation. Appointments are required for the full choice-based Market shopping experience. A limited number of express bags may be available for missed appointments or walk-in emergency support, but they are offered only while supplies last and are not guaranteed. **Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.** **Durham Alliance Outreach** 717 Wilson Road South, Unit 8 Oshawa, Ontario L1H 6E9 **Entrance:** Rear entrance of Unit 8, near the loading doors **Phone:** [905-738-8133](tel:+19057388133) ext. 0556 **Email:** [pantry@durhamallianceoutreach.org](mailto:pantry@durhamallianceoutreach.org) Please arrive at your scheduled appointment time and bring reusable grocery bags or a cart. [Book Your Market Appointment](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ0ct_3BcpxFvoG1ril61k5vLhF8rArJa2ufG9Iz6kA0OTqQf03tQuO6Gv-tpbCVChPXmB_84ZcJ) [![](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2.png?width=2000&height=2000&name=2.png)](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org?hsLang=en-ca) - [About Us](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/about-us) - [Blog](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/daoblog) - [Contact Us](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/en-ca/contact-us) - [Donate](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/donate) - [Newsletter](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/newsletter) - [Privacy Policy](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/en-ca/privicy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "

Yes. An appointment is required to shop inside the DAO Market and select your own items.

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A limited number of express bags may be available for people without appointments, but they are not guaranteed.

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Use our online booking calendar to select an available Thursday appointment.

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Book Your Market Appointment

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Please arrive at the appointment time shown in your booking confirmation.

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Arriving early does not guarantee earlier entry, and waiting space is limited.

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Late entry depends on the remaining appointment schedule, Market capacity and available shopping time.

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If we cannot accommodate your shopping appointment, you may be offered an express bag if one is available.

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Missing an appointment does not guarantee or reserve an express bag.

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An express bag is a pre-packed selection of available food and pantry essentials.

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Express bags are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. They do not provide the same choice as a scheduled Market appointment.

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Shopping amounts are based on registered household size:

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  • 1–2 people: one small arm basket
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  • 5 or more people: one small arm basket and one rolling basket
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All items must fit fully inside the assigned basket or baskets without overflowing.

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No. Items may not be balanced on top, carried separately or placed outside the assigned basket limit.

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Some products may also have individual limits, even when there is space remaining in your basket.

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No. Available products depend on donations, deliveries and inventory.

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Specific items, brands and quantities cannot be guaranteed.

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No. Products and express bags cannot be held or reserved.

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Please bring reusable grocery bags, a cart or another safe way to carry your groceries.

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You should also bring any information needed to update your household registration.

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No. There is no cost to shop at the DAO Market or receive an express bag.

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No. The DAO Market provides food support to the broader community.

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Everyone using the Market is expected to respect DAO’s 2SLGBTQIA+-affirming safer-space standards.

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Alternate arrangements may be considered when illness, disability or another significant barrier prevents you from attending.

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Please contact DAO before your appointment to discuss your situation. Approval is not automatic and may require confirmation.

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Contact us before your visit:

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Phone: 905-738-8133 ext. 0556
Email: pantry@durhamallianceoutreach.org

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