The Chemainus Harvest House Society Food Bank has a new set of wheels, thanks to funding distributed by Food Banks Canada, through the federal government’s 2025 School Food Infrastructure Fund.
The new van will expand service capacity and improve food delivery to communities across the region.
“This will help with deliveries to Crofton, Penelakut and Thetis,” said Harvest House coordinator Emily Holmes. “It ensures that perishable food — particularly milk and produce — stays fresh. It also has a larger capacity than a single truck, so we can fit two to three times more food into it and save on the number of vehicles needed to transport food.”
Holmes said the upgrade is especially helpful as Harvest House has faced challenges sending enough food to its more remote communities.
The new vehicle will also make it easier to fulfil the food bank’s monthly pop-ups at local schools, which aim to help families access healthy food for their kids.
“We want to see kids excel, and good nutrition is so important,” Holmes said.
Food Banks Canada’s current Let’s Feed Greatness campaign underscores the philosophy behind programs like this: that consistent access to nutritious food can unlock potential and strengthen communities.
“Hunger steals potential — holding back ideas, energy and the talent our country can’t afford to lose,” said Kirstin Beardsley, CEO of Food Banks Canada. “When people have enough to eat, possibilities grow, communities strengthen, and we unlock the potential of every person in Canada.”
