Good Food Box

A box of fresh fruit and vegetables available at a low cost. The box usually includes about 7 - 8 different kinds of fruits and vegetables. The selection varies, but you can expect staples like potatoes, carrots, onions, apples, oranges and bananas almost every week.

Most of the fresh fruits and vegetables in the Good Food Box come from a produce distributor who brings in produce from around North America. We do try to include as much locally grown produce as possible, including that which is grown on our urban farms.

You can complete your order online here or call 250-713-7311 to place an order over the phone.

Anyone is able to purchase a Good Food Box, regardless of income. The more people who purchase, the better prices we get on fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Buying together helps us “stretch our dollar” meaning that we can offer the boxes—which have over $20 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables—for $15 or less. This is a great way to save money, increase your access to fresh foods, and support others in the community by combining your dollars.

Unfortunately, no. Buying the same produce for all the boxes is what helps us get great prices on fresh fruits and vegetables so we can’t do special orders. If you have suggestions for things you would like to see in the box, please let us know.

The Good Food Box is now available every week on Thursdays. Orders must be placed by Tuesday at midnight the week before you receive the box. 

We have switched to a pay what you can model so that more members of our community can access the program. The table below shows you where your money goes and which option may be a good fit for you. No matter what amount you pay, all Good Food Boxes are the same.

$5 Subsidized box: A good option for people who are looking to stretch their food dollars and can pay some money towards the box. Your $5 covers approximately half the cost of the food in the box.

$10 Food Cost: A good option for people who are looking to stretch their food dollars and are able to pay $10. Covers the cost of the food in the box.

$15 Supporting: A good option for people who are looking to stretch their food dollars and are able to pay for the full cost of the box. Covers the full cost of the food and other costs required to run the program.

Boxes can be scheduled for pick up at one of our 3 pick up locations:

1. Beban Centennial building (2300 Bowen Rd.) from 11 am - 1 pm every Thursday. 
2. Generations Church (1300 Princess Royal) from 1pm - 3pm every Thursday.
3. Oceanside Church in Parksville (1420 Alberni Hwy) from 2:30 - 4pm every Thursday.

Delivery is available on a limited basis to people who are self-isolating, immunocompromised, unable to do their own grocery shopping, unable to take public transit, or have mobility issues that prevent them from picking up in person. We deliver all over Nanaimo, including Cedar. If you are outside Nanaimo (including Lantzville or Ladysmith) and need a Good Food Box delivered, please contact us and we will do our best to get a box to you.

Deliveries happen between 10 am and 1 pm on Thursdays. Deliveries are contactless and our volunteer drivers cannot enter into buildings including apartment lobbies or homes.

If you do not pick up your box or it cannot be delivered, it will be donated to an emergency food program.