Gulf Islands Food Co-op

April, 2020: Food Co-op COVID Services & Update

Dear communities of Galiano, Saturna, Mayne and Pender,

The Co-op was just swinging into February activities, and then the COVID-19 pandemic brought many things to a halt.  However, we were not deterred from trying our best to be useful.  Thanks greatly to some remainders of our 2019-2020 Vancity and CRD project funding, here are the responses that we were able to initiate in March and April:

– supported 50 island Food Producers to purchase supplies needed to keep growing food for their communities;

– continued paying for the hauling of soil amending materials to island food producers, also to keep the growing going;

– supported Tsawout Nation plus 4 island programs to provide local meals for increased numbers of vulnerable and isolated islanders; and

– supported Saturna Food Bag program plus 3 island Food Banks to provide local food to the increased numbers of islanders in need.

As we finish up the Soil Amendment Hauling initiative, we are already planning and seeking funding for FUTURE LOCAL FOOD RESILIENCE PROJECTS (see Co-op Summary & Services for updates to come).

Our islands are stronger together…  when we remember the old ways of cooperating, and create new ones too!  So despite COVID, let’s keeping connecting and creating :-)

Zorah Staar, Co-op Treasurer