Can you donate baby food?

Yes—baby supplies like puréed vegetables, powdered formula and baby cereal are needed too. Diapers and baby wipes are likewise in demand. We don’t have a lot of young families on the island so these items are not as needed as food donations. Please call us to see what baby items are currently in need.

Can you donate hygiene products?

Yes—the following (must be new and unopened): menstrual products, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, dish soap and laundry detergent. (Due to space limitations, the list of accepted items is subject to change.) Please call us to see what hygiene items are currently in need.

Can you donate animal food?

Yes—we can take opened and unopened pet foods. Preferably unopened for ease of distribution to our participants.

What can't we accept ?

Often, folks want to do something nice—and at the same time, clean out their cupboards. So, if you’re eyeing the dusty can of beans that’s been in your pantry for five years and wondering, Can I donate expired food to a food bank? ask yourself instead: Would you eat it? “If you don’t want it, we don’t want it either. The same goes for opened and leftover food.

PROGRAMS

Food Security

Everyone deserves access to nourishing food and the dignity of knowing where their next meal will come from.

People for a Healthy Community (PHC) works to strengthen food security on Gabriola by connecting individuals and families with nourishing food, community programs and practical support. Through our food programs, gardens, food recovery partnerships, workshops and dedicated volunteers, we help make food more accessible while supporting health, sustainability and connection across our community.

Grocery Program (food bank)

(Food Bank) Providing access to nutritious food with dignity, choice and community support for residents of Gabriola, Mudge and DeCourcy Islands.

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Good Food Box

Enjoy a variety of fresh produce at an affordable price with the Good Food Box program. Open to anyone looking to make their grocery budget go further.

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Farmers’ Market Coupons

Helping seniors and families access fresh, local food at a lower cost while supporting farmers. Coupons can be used toward select farmers’ market items.

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Where Our Food Comes From

Growing & Harvesting Food

Growing fresh food, building skills and nurturing community through local gardens and hands-on food education from our gardens.

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Grow a Row

Grow a little extra and share the harvest. Your homegrown fruits and vegetables help bring fresh, local food to people in our community.

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Food Recovery Program

Rescuing surplus food, reducing waste and making the most of available resources to nourish our community for people, animals and gardens.

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Did you know?

That in the very early days, food was distributed out of the trunk of a car parked outside the Co-op gas station?

What food items are needed most at the Grocery Program?

General

Vegetables & Fruit (Canned)

Cooking Oils
(olive & canola)

Dried Herbs and Spices

Mayo & Condiments

Pasta & pasta sauce

Prepared Meals

Crackers and Granola Bars

Healthy Meals in a box

Soup, Stew and Chili

Healthy Whole Grain Cereal

Small Snack Items

Protein

Canned Chicken,
Fish & Ham

Peanut & Nut Butter

Protein Bars and Drinks

Cheese & Dairy Products

Nuts

Toiletries

Feminine Hygiene Products

Shampoo & Conditioner

Body Wash

Single Use Razors

Toothpaste

Miscellaneous Items

Gluten Free Options • Animal Food • Socks

We do not except

Farm Eggs • Open or broken seals • Expired food

Questions about Food Donations

Soup Social

These event is open to everyone in our community as a drop in event

Soup Socials provide free or by-donation nutritional meals. This is an event within the community to share a meal which fosters social connection and strengthens relationships among our community in a casual setting. Why not come out to this event and see what interesting conversation you can engage in with your fellow dining neighbor. We hope to see you there!

Fridays | 10:30am-12:30pm | 2600 South Road

CURRENTLY OPEN - at the Christ Church Gabriola

Tuesdays | 11am-1pm. | 775 Church Street

OPENS OCTOBER 14th - at the Fellowship Church

Tuesdays | 11am-1pm | 675 North Road

CLOSED FOR WINTER - at the Commons (Main Floor)