About Us
Established in 1997 and registered as a charity in 2000, Nanaimo Foodshare Society works to increase resilience in Nanaimo’s local food system. We increase food security by empowering our community with better access, resources, skills, and knowledge. We work on ancestral Coast Salish lands on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw people, We cultivate an inclusive and welcoming environment and work in collaboration with local government, other community groups, First Nations, and families.
Specifically, we:
- Work with community partners to address hunger in the community
- Build food skills
- Bring the community together to share resources
- Build community capacity to provide healthy foods to everyone.
- Through our programs, we support local sustainable food, help build food policy and develop coordinated community strategies to improve food security.
Nanaimo Foodshare is proud to be a part of the Vancouver Island Food Hubs (VIFH) network—a partnership between Island Health and eight community agencies working to strengthen food security across the region. The Food Hubs collaborate to build just, sustainable food systems through education, advocacy, and community-driven programs. Together, we envision a region where everyone has access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food.
We are a registered charitable organization: 887234524 RR 0001
Our Vision
Our region has sustainable access to nourishing food and food knowledge.
Our Mission
We empower community members with skills, tools, and access to local and nourishing food.
Values
2023 -24 Annual Report
-
Local Access
Focus on food sovereignty in our region
-
Empowerment
Hand-ups not hand-outs
-
Resilience
Supporting sustainable access to food
-
Inclusivity
Ensuring accessible and equitable access to food and food knowledge
-
Collaboration
Working together to fill gaps and serve our region
Powered By EmbedPress
Meet Our Team

Paula Masyk
Executive Director

Lisa Guizzo
Finance Manager

Dave Ehrismann
Program Manager

Jennie Wharton
Education Manager

Calven Chow
Kitchen Manager

Sonja Semion
Grant Writer

Lola Mamedu
Employment Program Manager

Salek Shahriyar
Media Coordinator

Shauna Blair
Volunteer Coordinator

Jordan Matt
Good Food Box Program

Mary Polk
Education Facilitator
Board of Directors

Jenny Rutherford
Chair

Cem'i Vur
Director

Jen Holstein
Vice Chair

Stu Setch
Director

Blake McGuffie
Treasurer

Suzana Clemente
Director

Richard Allen
Secretary
