NANAIMO — The rapidly expanding Good Food Box program is taking another leap forward.
Ahead of the holiday season, Nanaimo Foodshare is launching a buy-one, give-one campaign for their immensely popular program which sees local, fresh produce given out at a fraction of grocery store prices.
Tabitha Tucker, Good Food Box coordinator for Nanaimo Foodshare, told NanaimoNewsNOW beginning immediatly, people can purchase two boxes for $30, then keep one and give one to a local family in need.
“Right now it’s such a challenge between the cost of rent, the cost of food, the cost of transportation. We just want to make sure everybody has access to fresh, real fruits and vegetables.”
The push at the moment is due to the pending Thanksgiving long weekend at the start of October.
Purchases now will help create boxes for families to pick up on Thursday, Oct. 6 and enjoy all through the holiday. Similar campaigns will run ahead of Christmas and into next year.
Nanaimo Foodshare is working with other local non-profit organizations to distribute the boxes and ensure everyone who wants one, can get one.
Demand for the boxes has skyrocketed over recent years, thanks to a few factors.
Foodshare switched from a monthly to a weekly model, allowing more people to get more regular access to local produce.
They also switched to a ‘pay what you can’ model for those on low-incomes with levels ranging from $5 to $15.
Even at full price, Tucker said there’s between $20 and $25 worth of goods inside.
“We never know exactly what we’re going to put in, in advance, but it’s at least seven to nine types of fruits and vegetables. It’s enough for two to four people.”
All the changes has seen Foodshare go from between 100 to 150 boxes every month, to now filling 500 to 700 orders per week.
What can’t be sourced locally, through operations like Growing Opportunities Co-Op, is obtained through a wholesaler who prioritizes Island or B.C. grown product.
Tucker added local agencies have also come on board to support their clients with the Good Food Box.
“They will purchase the boxes and give it to their clients, their participants. But definitely the pay what you can model has increased our capacity and then being able to offer it weekly as well, now it’s something families can count on every single week.”
It means families have fresh food through the weekend when some community food options are closed, and kids have great options for the school lunches.
To learn more, or to purchase, a Good Food Box, visit the Nanaimo Foodshare website.
They are also looking for volunteers to help deliver the boxes ahead of Thanksgiving. Those interested in helping out can contact Foodshare at 250-713-7311.
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