Feature Farmer — Michell’s Farm Market
Michell’s Farm Market has been a long time supporter of the Good Food Box program and we’re grateful for the continued support in our bag contents and their contributions towards the Gift of Good Food.
Michell’s Farm is a sixth generation family owned and operated farm that has been growing on the Saanich Peninsula for over 150 years. We grow over 50 varieties of fruits and vegetables as well as hay, grain and pasture raised beef. Since it was originally established in the 1880’s, Michell’s Farm has grown from a 100 acre farm to its current 400+ acres which produces over four thousand tonnes of produce annually!
At Michell’s Farm Market located at 2451 Island View Rd you will find seasonal produce grown right here on Michell’s Farm and local farms. We also carry many locally made products including baked goods, honey, vinegars and much more! www.michellsfarm.com
History of Michell’s Farm
Michell’s Farm was originally established in the 1860’s by William Michell, who purchased a 100 acre farm on the Saanich Peninsula with money he made gold mining during the goldrush. The farm started out growing mainly potatoes and over the years began growing a few more varieties of vegetables and berries. Michell’s Farm along with many farms were well established when the federal government put a ban on growing potatoes in Central Saanich. This was when the golden nematode was discovered in the 1980’s. The ban was quite an interruption to the local farming community, but it pushed the Michells to start experimenting with growing other vegetables which has led to the wide selection of produce grown today. The farm is now 400+ acres and leases an additional 100+ acres and is still owned and operated by the Michell family with the sixth generation currently actively farming!
Michell’s are supplying our bags with leeks this week!
What’s in the bags this week?
Standard ($30.00): BC small nugget potatoes, org. carrots, BC org. Pink Lady apples, Michell’s leeks, org. Altualfo mango, org. bananas, BC org. Cremini mushrooms, org. Romaine lettuce
Standard Plus ($40.00): BC small nugget potatoes, org. carrots, BC org. Pink Lady apples, org. Altualfo mango, North Star *org. long cucumber, org. bananas, BC org. Cremini mushrooms, Michell’s leeks, org. Romaine lettuce
Sustainable ($40.00): org. Jewel/Garnet yams, BC org. Pink Lady apples, org. bananas, North Star *org. short cucumber & spinach, The Plot *org. Sprouting broccoli & parsley, BC org. Cremini mushrooms
Cultural ($30.00): BC small nugget potatoes, org. yellow onions, org. Altualfo mango, org. banana, North Star *org. short cucumber & bok choy, BC org. Cremini mushrooms
Staples ($30.00): BC small nuggets potatoes, org. yellow onions, org. carrots, org. bananas, North Star *org. long cucumber & spinach
Fruit ($25.00): BC org. Pink Lady apples, Honeydew melon, org. Altualfo mango, org. Medjool dates, org. banana, pears
BC – Only ($30.00): BC small nugget potatoes, org. Pink Lady apples, North Star *org. cucumber & spinach, Michell’s leeks & cabbage flowers, BC org. Cremini mushrooms
*local, BC, organic
***Note: Some items may change due to circumstances out of our control but the value of the box will always remain the same.
Wet Weather Reminder — Bring your cloth bags or totes! Don’t forget to bring along your reusable grocery bags or totes to avoid the soggy demise of our paper bags if you’ll be hitting the elements on the way home. Even just getting to the car during this soggy season could be lethal for your produce — we want it to make it all the way home — not playing a game of 10 pin on the sidewalk!
One-Pan Lemony Leek Orzo is a quick and easy weeknight dinner to add to your meal plan. It’s a great way to use up greens in your fridge, like spinach, arugula, winter greens, or even chipped up and stir fry cabbage flowers. Click on the photo to go directly the recipe link shared by Munching with Mariayah.
Earthy Mushroom and Leek Quinoa with Roasted Shallots (or yellow onions) and a touch of cream is a lovely warm addition to your week night evening, especially on one of these cooler evenings that have returned and taken us by surprise after the warmer weather. Click on the photo for the recipe link by Delectazen.
Other recipe ideas to try:
Chickpea Feta Cucumber Salad – click here.
Mozzarella & Honeydew Appetizer – click here.
Savory Steakhouse Garlic Butter Mushrooms – click here.
Simple Spinach Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – click here.
Saving money in the kitchen…
9 snack ideas – some great snack ideas you can pull together using your Good Food Box bag over the upcoming growing season shared by New Mediterranean Kitchen Recipes 2025 on Facebook.
Get Growing….
Get Growing, Victoria! is coming to your neighbourhood.
Limits per household apply. Some locations will have soil-building materials available. Free seedlings are meant for those facing barriers to growing their own food. Learn more and find a date near you at victoria.ca/getgrowing
Date: Sunday, April 27th, 3-5pm
Register now: tinyurl.com/GrowYearRound
Create a thriving mini-ecosystem under your apple tree with this balanced companion planting guild: Borage improves pollination and deters pests with its bright blue blooms.
Yarrow attracts beneficial insects and enhances soil nutrient uptake.
Chives keep aphids away while boosting tree resistance to disease.
Artemisia helps suppress weeds and repels unwanted insects.
Marigolds control nematodes and brighten the guild with natural pest-fighting power.
Nasturtiums act as a trap crop for aphids and whiteflies, drawing them away from your tree.
Tip: Mulch well and allow plants to form a living groundcover—this boosts moisture retention and suppresses weeds naturally.
Connecting in Community
Thursday, May 1
6:00–8:30 PM
Fernwood Community Centre
This week’s feature: Stay on Board: The Leo Baker Story
Free entry + free popcorn — come for the film, stay for the vibes!
Plus: Special guest speakers & a chance to connect, reflect, and share ideas.