The Gift of Good Food

We hit our goal and raised $165,214 with your help! Thank you for supporting the Gift of Good Food!

Thank YOU to all of our donors, community partners, staff, local businesses, and volunteers for all of your help in raising over $150,000 for the Gift of Good Food and reaching our goal!

Thanks to your support and generosity, we're able to continue fighting food insecurity, providing programs for all ages, and building a connected community.

What a great way to start 2025!

The Gift of Good Food:

At Fernwood Neighborhood House and the Good Food Box, we believe food has a unique way of bringing people together. Meals aren’t just nourishment—they’re often moments of laughter, new friendships, shared stories and a sense of belonging.

This holiday season, we’re raising funds to strengthen food access for families facing food insecurity across our region. From fresh fruits and vegetables to meals for children, families, seniors, and youth, our programs address immediate needs for people in our community.

Why your support matters:

In British Columbia, 1 in 5 people experience food insecurity. Your donation to the Gift of Good Food allows us to continue vital programs, providing consistent and dignified access to food.

Through initiatives like the Good Food Box, our weekly community meal, perinatal support in our Best Babies program, and so much more, we weave food into every part of our programming. Every meal strengthens the connections between people and neighbours in our community.

The lasting effects of the pandemic, inflation, rising food costs, and our city’s housing crisis are putting immense pressure on families, individuals, and seniors, forcing them to make tough choices about what they can afford to put on the table.

Your contribution can mean the difference between a family that goes to bed hungry and one that experiences the security and connection of a shared meal.

Help us reach our fundraising goal of $150,000 to ensure dignified, consistent food access for those who need it most. Together, we’re not just providing food—we’re building a community filled with warmth, connection, and justice.

Join us in giving the Gift of Good Food.

Testimonials:

$165,214

of $150,000 goal

536 supporters

100% of goal raised

Campaign runs until January 15th, 2025

Ways to support:

Runs until Friday, December 13 at 5pm

Your contribution helps support:

Food security: Fresh produce and nourishing meals for families, youth, seniors, and individuals facing food insecurity across Greater Victoria.

Our regional food system: An average of 60% of our produce is from within 200 miles of Victoria. The money we raise supports local farmers and distributors to keep producing in our region, which supports food security for everyone in our community regardless of income.

Wraparound care at community service centres: When folks drop in to pick up their boxes or share meals, they can also access other services and supports more easily and consistently.

Community engagement: Our amazing team of fundraising, packing, and distribution volunteers and staff come from all walks of life, from students to seniors, avid composters to farmers.

Why are we different from other food hampers:

Fresh Produce and Meals

We provide fresh fruits & vegetables not accessible at most food banks and nourishing meals prepared in house. Folks accessing food banks generally receive non-perishable items. Our goal is to add nutritious produce and meals to the equation.

All year

Instead of a one time food hamper, we provide food throughout the year. This is a gift that keeps giving the whole year long.

Dignified Access

Folks who receive Good Food Boxes pick up their boxes with all other Good Food Box customers. They will not feel singled out or like they are receiving charity.

Fundraising Teams:

SLOO-SLUNKERS

THURBER ENGINEERING

PALENKE

ORCA BOOK PUBLISHERS

RISE HEALTH

RUFFIN' IT FAMILY

KWENCH Work & Culture Club

Robert - McShane Family

In the news:

Gift of Good Food provides produce to a family in need for an entire year
- Chek News, December 20, 2018

Victoria's Gift of Good Food program, a holiday offering for the whole year
- VicNews, November 28, 2017

Here's how to support hundreds of Victoria families facing poverty
- Victoria Buzz, November 17, 2017

The impact of good food on one family's life
- Village Vibe, December 1, 2015

Sign up as a fundraising team!

Are you interested in raising funds with friends, in your office, with your family, at school, in your neighbourhood, or anywhere!? Fundraising Teams are a great way to give back to your community.

Our teams help us immensely to spread the word about The Gift of Good Food and we are very grateful to all of our teams who are participating in this Holiday Fundraiser.

If you'd like to join, please sign up to be a Fundraising Team or email emma@fernwoodnrg.ca. We will set-up your Fundraising Team page online or send a paper materials if you'd like.