Gordon Neighbourhood House Receives Funding to Make Healthy Food More Accessible in the West End

More people have better access to healthy and nutritious food, thanks to provincial funding that is supporting food infrastructure projects throughout British Columbia.

More than $4 million is supporting 65 organizations in British Columbia to strengthen food security infrastructure that helps redistribute food to people who need additional support because of high costs. Gordon Neighbourhood House received funding to increase the efficiency of food production spaces and improve food justice programs and food access initiatives. In addition to boosting efficiency, the upgraded facilities will allow the organization to expand the variety and reach of their food access programs.

“We all want people to have access to nutritious food, so we’re taking action in a time of rising grocery prices,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “This is why, on top of hundreds of other projects, we’re funding critical infrastructure that helps people access fresh food in Nanaimo and throughout B.C.”  

The funding is part of the provincially funded $14-million Critical Food Infrastructure Fund, administered by United Way British Columbia over three years from 2023-26. In 2024, another $3.2 million of this fund was distributed to 43 community organizations.

“Ultimately, this funding will help us create more welcoming and functional food production spaces in our community, where people can come together to learn, share, and access the resources they need,” shared Jim Balakshin, Gordon Neighbourhood House’s Director of Community Development, “The improvements will enable us to continue addressing food insecurity in a more sustainable and impactful way, fostering a stronger and more resilient community.”

Grants from the fund are helping community organizations, including Indigenous organizations and First Nations, build, buy and improve warehouse storage space and equipment, buy refrigerated vehicles to transport food, and buy equipment to preserve and process food for extended shelf life. By increasing the capacity for storing, transporting and redistributing food locally, the grants help increase year-round availability of nourishing and culturally appropriate foods.

“We are deeply grateful for the Critical Food Infrastructure Grant, which significantly bolsters our mission to increase access to nutritious and affordable food. This support is vital in advancing initiatives that prioritize Indigenous food sovereignty and regional self-determination, on Vancouver Island and across the province. Together, we are fostering more healthy, caring, and inclusive communities,” stated Michael McKnight, President and CEO, United Way British Columbia.

Food insecurity has increased because of inflation, supply-chain issues, and climate emergencies that interrupt food production and distribution. This investment addresses the challenges faced by communities, strengthening food security for everyone.

Learn More:

To read more about the Province’s funding to the Critical Food Infrastructure Fund, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023SDPR0057-001516

For more information about United Way British Columbia food security initiatives, visit: https://uwbc.ca/program/food-security

B.C.’s poverty-reduction strategy: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/about-the-bc-government/poverty-reduction-strategy

For recipients of the Critical Food Infrastructure Fund, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/UnitedWayGrants.pdf