Nanaimo, BC – April 23, 2020 – The Nanaimo Foodshare Society has received a $25,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Nanaimo. The funds will help the non-profit association purchase a walk-in cooler to house fruits and vegetables grown at their urban farming facilities and supporting the Good Food Box program.
Nanaimo Foodshare Society grows produce at two urban farms in the City of Nanaimo: Five Acres Farm in Harewood and the Cline Agri-Health Centre near Westwood Lake. Much of the produce grown there is used to fill out the Good Food Box that is currently offered once a month to members in the community at a cost of $10. The ability to refrigerate food will mean less waste and more local food provided in the boxes.
“This important donation will help us expand our capacity to grow and share healthy food for people in our community,” says Nanaimo Foodshare Executive Director Jen Cody. “It’s coming at a particularly important time. With the COVID-19 pandemic we are taking on increased responsibilities around enhancing local food access. This gift will help us expand our Good Food Box at a time where there is greatly increased demand.”
The walk-in cooler will be situated at the Cline Farm where food is grown for their $10 Good Food Box program.
“We are pleased to support Nanaimo Foodshare with this funding that gives immediate and ongoing sustainable benefits to their food program. Their objectives to provide education, employment training, and improve food security for those in need align perfectly with the goals of Rotary,” says Janeane Coutu, President, Rotary Club of Nanaimo. “The Rotary Club of Nanaimo is celebrating 100 years of service in Nanaimo on May 1st, 2020 and what an appropriate time to also recognize the history of Harewood’s Five Acres Farm and the work of Nanaimo Foodshare with this gift during our Centennial year.”
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About Nanaimo Foodshare Society
Nanaimo Foodshare Society is a registered charity with a long history of working with community partners to address hunger in the community, build food skills, bring the community together to share resources, and build community capacity to provide healthy foods to everyone. Established in 1997 and registered as a charity in 2000, we connect the community with resources, skills, and knowledge to create change that increases healthy food for everyone. To learn more, visit www.nanaimofoodshare.ca.
About Rotary Club of Nanaimo
The Rotary Club of Nanaimo is dedicated to giving back to our community as well as helping communities around the globe. Our members are dedicated people who exchange ideas, build relationships, and take action to create a better world for all. Together with our community partners, the Rotary Club of Nanaimo has been focused on improving the lives of the most vulnerable since 1920. To learn more, visit http://rotarynanaimo.org/