Dear Good Food Box supporters,
This has been a wild ride for the Good Food Box and the Gift of Good Food. So many people in Greater Victoria have been impacted by the pandemic, and the need for healthy and affordable food is high. We nearly doubled our previous fundraising record, and therefore are packing an unprecedented 327 Gift of Good Food bags every two weeks for all of 2021.
According to StatsCan, there has been a 49% increase in produce prices since 2012, but the Good Food Box prices only increased once, by 9.75% in 2017. We are not keeping pace with inflation, and with our low prices, that is putting the program at risk.
The produce wholesalers and farmers are also forecasting sharp price increases. Last year’s wildfires and COVID disrupted farming, and that looks like it will continue.
As a bulk-buying program, we buy pallets of produce and repack into our bags—but in addition to all the vegetables, this program has fixed costs. This means every bag purchased also helps make the Gift of Good Food viable—without our many customers buying bags and sharing costs, the Gift of Good Food could not continue.
So, in order to maintain this necessary program, we must raise prices. Beginning with the April 7th order, we will increase prices on all boxes by 13% on average, so our Large Box will now sell for $22.50. We are also adding a Pay What You Can to our delivery fee, so those who are able can pay more. Nobody likes price increases, but we look forward to your continued support for this amazing community program.
If this is your first order...Welcome!
Over the years we have seen a few recurring problems - let us help you avoid them:
- You order by Saturday for the next Wednesday. Details are in the calendar.
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We use PayPal for online payment.
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If you don't have a PayPal account that is fine, PayPal will process your credit card.
- Make sure you press confirm at the end! You should get a confirmation email.
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If you don't get a confirmation, wait a little while -sometimes it takes a few hours to get through PayPal. If you order again right away you might get two orders.
Our delivery drivers are busy! If you are able and it is safe for you to do so, please pick up your box at Fernwood, Fairfield, Oaklands, Burnside Gorge, or Saanich.
Please consider donating if you can! This will help us get groceries to people who need them. Thank you.