Victoria has a dedicated and diverse network of community groups and individuals who are working non-stop on food security issues, from collecting seeds at the street level to community gardens to food distribution networks. They provide mutual aid and social safety nets when governments fail to do so. Those involved in food security in our city do not simply provide nourishment, but they also educate and empower citizens to grow their own food. I learn directly from their work and commit to working with them to give them the resources they need.
This list will grow, but these are the groups that I am a member of or have worked with through my Neighbourhood Association or other community building project:
- Educational workshops and resources, seed distribution, community garden network, DIY, and more!
- Yes there is a library for seeds and if you are involved in community projects they will give you seeds for free to share the love. LifeCycle volunteers, along with the Greater Victoria Public Library, collect, sort and distribute seeds.
-
LifeCycle Projects is an amazing group that goes beyond simply harvesting and distributing seeds. Volunteers also harvest left over fruit from backyard fruit trees. They collaborated on a cider with Spinnakers Brewery and it was yum! LifeCycles also host natural plant dyeing courses, food workshops and much more. They are committed to healthy and sustainable food systems.
- One more shout out - LifeCycles is partnering with the CRD, on a 5 year food security project. Learn more here: Bear Hill Farm.
- Welcome Gardens is an arm of VIRCS, 'designed to battle food insecurity and help newcomer and vulnerable populations to overcome barriers to their well-being'.
- I was introduced to them last year when they hosted an incredibly beautiful and meaningful, educational workshop on the history and practice of Día de Muertos .
- "When you have more than you need build a longer table, not a higher wall"
Victoria Seed Share - small and local network of seed gatherers in Oaklands neighbourhood that began out of creative necessity during the pandemic.
Other Food Security Networks:
- Their mission: "It's our mission to make good food, fresh from local farms, accessible to everyone in our community"
The Good Food Box is currently on hold, but was a community food security program run through the Fernwood Neighbourhood House.