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Garden Education Program Impact There’s something special about learning with your hands in the soil, sharing a meal together, and seeing where food comes from. This spring, Gabriola Elementary School students had the chance to do all of that through our annual Farm Field Trips—and what a memorable season it was. From kindergarten through Grade 6, students ventured beyond the classroom to explore three local farms, where curiosity, connection, and discovery were in full bloom

Garden Education Program Impact 2026 As the school year comes to a close, so does another incredible season of garden classes with Rachel, Morgan, and our amazing Garden Education team at Gabriola Elementary School. Our young gardeners headed into summer with a little piece of the garden to care for at home. Each student who wanted one received a Grow Kit complete with a sunflower, two vegetable/flower or herb plants, a jar of sunflower seeds, and a package of fava beans—bean

Earth Month Highlights This Earth Day, People for a Healthy Community (PHC) is proud to highlight our commitment to reducing food waste while supporting the Gabriola community. In addition to our Weekly Grocery Program, PHC runs a food recovery and diversion program that ensures donated food is used responsibly and sustainably. Volunteers carefully sort incoming donations into three streams: food for people, food for animals, and compost for gardens. Food suitable for peopl

March is Nutrition Month in Canada—a time to reflect on how food supports our health, well-being, and connection to one another. As we move out of winter, many are thinking about fresh starts and healthier routines. But for some in our community, the question isn’t what to eat—it’s whether there is enough. Rising food costs are straining Canadian households. In 2026, the average family of four will spend nearly $17,571 on food—up $994.63 in a year—while the average income

February is Anti-Bullying Month, a time to reflect on how bullying shows up in schools, workplaces, and communities. While bullying is often associated with playgrounds and classrooms, community leaders say it also exists in quieter, less visible ways — including the shame and stigma surrounding food bank use. That sense of judgment often prevents people from seeking support, even when they need it most. In many people’s eyes, using a food bank is still seen as a personal fai

Dec 3, 2025 | News , Sounder News (article) WRITER: Tami Smith , Food Program Coordinator People for a Healthy Community I am writing to clarify a common misconception about Food Banks. During a recent vaccine appointment, the nurse made friendly small talk while preparing the injection. She asked what I do for a living, and I proudly replied that I run the Weekly Food Program—also known as the food bank—at People for a Healthy Community (PHC). Her immediate response was, “Oh