|
Dear friends of Foodshare,
It's hard to believe that Foodshare is turning 20 in 2020! The years really do go by quickly, and though our eyesight might be going, our vision for food security is 20/20 — clear as ever!
This year at Foodshare has been one of our best ever. We're running more programs, with more participants and staff than ever before. Sometimes it's a wonder we're all able to squeeze into that little house on Pine Street.
We're incredibly grateful to our community: our staff, our supporters, our volunteers and our donors. It's through you and the work you do that Foodshare is able to succeed.
By supporting people to access, learn, grow and share healthy food in our community, together, we are making our city a happier, healthier place!
We're happy to share some of our accomplishments this year with you. Keep reading below! Want even more information? Visit our website or our Facebook page.
|
|
Holiday Closure Announcement
Foodshare will be closed for the holidays, starting on the 21st of December through January 1st, reopening on January 2nd. Good Food boxes can be ordered online in December or in person after Jan 1st.
|
|
Foodshare at a Glance
- The Good Food Box program provided 3,300 boxes (over 36,300 lbs of produce) to the community.
- The Gleaning program picked over 10,972 pounds of produce which was donated to the community.
- The School Gardens program saw 20,000 student visits in 2020.
- School Meals and Summer Lunch Munch provided 15,435+ healthy lunches to children, 550+ salad bar meals at community dinner events and 1000 visits to Foodshare providing interactive learning around food to summer day camp children. 720 children aged 6-17, developed cooking skills during 76 cooking classes.
- The EAT Program, which provides employment skills and food focused learning for over 50 people with diverse abilities, was really excited to participate in a series of cooking classes with Clay Tree Society this month. We made healthy soups, salads, home made pizzas and cookies.
- Foodshare was happy to host the strategic planning session for the Vancouver Island Food Security Hub Network, where we got to connect over two days with food security experts from across the island region.
- The Seniors Food Legacy project wrapped up March 31. You can find the report on our website.
- We're piloting a soup project as a new addition to our School Meals Program. It's always exciting to find new ways to help kids in schools access affordable, nutritious meals!
|
|
Our Urban Farms
This year marks Foodshare's first season at the Cline Agri-Health Centre on 2090 Skaha Drive. Previously known as the Westwood Farm, the property is Nanaimo's longest established farm. Thanks to Dr. John Cline for his fellowship, and his generous donation of the two acres of land Foodshare currently has under production.
In 2019, Foodshare and Growing Opportunities partnered with Leadership Vancouver Island to acquire and install deer fencing for our new growing area. Thanks to Leadership Vancouver Island for their help and support!
On September 30, 2019, title to the Five Acres Farm was transferred to the City of Nanaimo, and Nanaimo Foodshare Society now has an agreement with the City to continue farming and providing educational programs on the property. Since then, we've been plotting and planning our programs and crops for the new year.
And we still managed to have a successful harvest during it all. The Five Acres Farm was able to provide extra food for the Good Food Box program from July through October, and is looking forward to growing even more in the new year. If you are interested in being more involved, please contact Jen Cody. We will be seeding in February, and excited to have a larger presence at Seedy Sunday March 1.
|
|
Growing the Good Food Box
The program works with people of all abilities to provide healthy food to our community. For over 19 years, the Good Food Box has provided a low- or no-cost monthly food basket to individuals and families in our community.
In November, Foodshare received funding to engage in a community process to expand the Good Food Box program. In 2020 we will be inviting the community to participate in an assessment, evaluation and development of a community strategy for the program. If you are interested in being more involved with this process, contact Jen Cody. jen.cody@nanaimofoodshare.ca
Also in 2019, the Good Food Box was successful in fundraising to maintain the current program. Monthly we are providing 50 Good Food Boxes to families in need at no cost, in addition to the monthly subsidized boxes to over 150 families order for $10.
Thanks to your support, and support from generous donors and funders.
|
|
Keep your 20/20 vision peeled for these upcoming events
Cultivating Abilities is accepting applications for our employability skills program. The deadline for applications is January 17th, 2020. Applications are available online or can be picked up at Nanaimo Foodshare, Monday—Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The Cultivating Abilities program is open to people who:
- Are over the age of 15
- Self identify as having a disability
- Are out of school
- Are legally able to work in Canada
- Find it hard to find work or keep work
- Are not receiving Employment Insurance benefits
- Want to find work and keep work
You can attend an information session to learn more about the program and to apply. They are being held January 8th and 15th from 10 am to 12 pm at the Nanaimo Foodshare building.
Keep your eyes peeled during the first week in January, for notice to the community about the East Wellington Park community consultation for the community park plan. We will be posting information and notice about the community meeting for community feedback on the park plan, January 18.
Seedy Sunday is coming up on March 1st, 2020. If you're a vendor, applications will be out by the end of December. Foodshare will be posting the location and additional details in the new year.
|
|
Give the Gift of Food Security
Like what we're doing in the community? We're always happy to receive one-time or monthly donations that support our various projects.
At this time, we're raising funds to help support a renovation which will make our building more accessible to those with mobility challenges. However, we're also grateful for your support of our other core programs such as the Good Food Box, School Meals program, and Urban Farming. Wherever you choose to place your donation, we can assure you it is valued, and you are helping making a difference in our community.
|
|
Community Impact
We strive to work with people to find the 'right fit' job, not just any job. Our goal is to find sustainable, long-term employment for individuals by going above and beyond just resume writing and interview skills. We focus on the person themselves, and what they need to succeed.
—Ashley Clarke: Program Manager for Cultivating Abilities
Foodshare's ways never ceases to amaze me. There always seems to be a helper or volunteer when I need one. It really feels like we're flying by the seat of our pants, but it always finds a way to work out. That's pretty cool!
—Anne Nguyen: Kitchen Coordinator, School Meals/Summer Lunches
|
|
|
|
