Food Security Programs

Although we have historically focused on the Food Bank Model, we recognize that the needs of our community are evolving. In response, we are implementing new strategies to address food insecurity. This includes creating additional access points for food, as well as dedicating efforts to advocacy and education. By doing so, we aim to reduce food insecurity and ensure that everyone has access to the food they need.

Through various projects, we strive to meet individuals where they are and provide them with the support they require for food security. We also work to support our local agriculture economy and emphasize the importance of equitable, sustainable, and healthy food access within our broader community. Collaboration, education, and advocacy are key components of our approach.

We are proud to be affiliated with BC Food Banks, Food Banks Canada, and Community Food Centres Canada as a registered Good Food Organization. These partnerships enable us to make positive impacts in addressing food insecurity.

Read more about our unique projects

If you would like to contribute to any of our initiatives, we welcome your donations. For further details about these initiatives and how you can get involved, contact Chris Hergesheimer, Lead Food Programmer.

Diversifying Food Access

Sunshine Coast Food Bank

We are the largest and longest-running food bank on the Sunshine Coast, providing weekly hamper services to over 130 families. Our participants have the freedom to choose the items they need and interact with our dedicated volunteers. Learn more

BC Association of Farmers Markets

Nutrition Coupon Program: As a core partner, we distribute coupons worth over $30,000 to support local growers at BC farmer's markets on the Sunshine Coast.

Fresh Food For All

Affordable Produce Market: During the summer, we host a weekly "market" where we purchase food from farmers and consolidate donations to offer low-cost, locally-grown fresh produce to participants in all our programs. This market is available in Sechelt and Pender Harbour locations in 2023.

Fresh Fruit Fund

This project provides non-cash vouchers worth over $10,000, enabling the purchase of fresh fruit directly from local businesses in British Columbia.

Meals and Snacks

Nourishing food prepared and served in community is a cornerstone of our food security work. Core programs within the organization, most notably Arrowhead Clubhouse and the various aspects of the Family Resource Program, deliver nearly 10,000 meals and snacks per year to program participants. This prepared food serves an integral role in teaching, feeding and encouraging inclusion and belonging.

Food Rescue and Reclamation

Food Waste is growing concern at all levels- from the local to the international. A growing part of our food program is slowly building on existing food rescue initiatives to keep usable food out of the waste stream. Working with numerous community partners, retailers and supporters, the SCCSS food program collectively rescues and redistributes over 25,000 lbs of food per year including fresh produce, dairy, staples and snacks throughout our various programs.

In collaboration with local organizations and businesses, we provide hundreds of homemade frozen meals and soups to members of our community every year.

Budget-Conscious Cooking Classes

These intimate Friday evening classes are offered seasonally and are designed to share food skills and promote community engagement.

Peer-Led Gardening Project

Through our partnership with the Sunshine Coast Community Action Team, we empower peers and individuals with lived experiences to grow food together, fostering relationships and partnerships in a shared gardening space.

Coast Wide Food Bank Coalition

We collaborate regularly with other coastal food banks and the Sunshine Coast Foundation to amplify our fundraising efforts, share stories, and advocate for change.

Regional Food Systems Collaborations

As part of the Food Systems Action Network, our food program aims to establish connections, maintain regular communication, and identify opportunities for collaboration with other leaders and organizations involved in the food system on the Sunshine Coast.

Media and Advocacy

We are committed to advocating for income-based solutions to food insecurity. Through public presentations, delegations, media engagement, and shared campaigns, we promote national policies that increase incomes, reduce poverty, and eliminate economic barriers to basic food access and the right to food.

Food Based Life Skills and Dinner Club for Youth

Youth Services offers a cooking-based life skills after-school group that occurs once weekly, for 10-12 weeks at a time. This program is for youth with brain difference, aged 13-18 who are referred by the Ministry of Children and Family Development. The groups are small (usually 3:1 client to staff ratio) to allow for adequate support. Youth Services, supported by Foundry, also hosts Dinner Club, a Youth Outreach program open to youth at large who are aged 12-24. This program runs out of Sechelt Youth Centre every Tuesday from 5-7pm. Youth contribute meal ideas, are taught basic cooking skills, and enjoy a free meal with their peers.

Big thanks to BC Food Banks, Food Banks Canada, and Community Food Centres Canada for helping to fund our programs!