Community and food security go hand in hand. On Gabriola Island, the collaborative efforts of local changemakers are proving what can be accomplished when sustainability, shared responsibility, and vision come together.
Rob West, the Acquisitions Editor at New Society, is also the president of the Gabriola Nature Education Society (GNES). GNES, originally founded by John Switzer, embodies the spirit of community initiatives. A recent collaboration between People for a Healthy Community (PHC) and GNES to obtain a polytunnel has created widespread benefits, reaching all corners of Gabriola Island.
PHC has been a cornerstone of social support for Gabriola, Mudge, and DeCourcy Islands since its establishment as a charity in 1998. As the only social service agency on Gabriola Island, PHC has consistently provided vital programs, with food security being at the heart of its mission. One of their core initiatives is the food program. This program ensures that residents in need have access to nutritious food through multiple channels. Learn more about their programs here.
In 2024, PHC, in cooperation with GNES, took a significant step toward enhancing food security with the installation of a new polytunnel for plant starts on the GNES farm. PHC obtained the tunnel through a local food security grant from Agriculture Canada, and GNES agreed to site it on their farm, covering the installation costs.
The most important piece of the puzzle has fallen into place and a new farmer is now poised to take over farming the land. Elana Evans, a former urban farmer of City Beet Farm in Vancouver, is moving into the farmhouse with her young family and will be providing fresh produce to the public and PHC, nourishing the community while making a living farming full-time. ––Sounder News
This initiative benefits the community in multiple ways. The farmer who rents the GNES farm now has access to high-quality plant starts, strengthening local food production. GNES, in turn, purchases vegetables from the farmer and donates them to PHC, where they are distributed through essential food programs. This closed-loop system not only supports individuals in need but also sustains the livelihood of the farmer, reinforcing the local economy.
“It’s also true that the larger systems cannot be changed without individual and collective action.” (Making Shift Happen by Nya Van Leuvan, Lauren Highleyman, Rod Fujita, Ashleigh Kellerman)
Action is at the core of community initiative. The polytunnel project shows us what is possible when organizations collaborate with a common goal. By working together, GNES and PHC have created a sustainable model that:
- Supports local farmers
- Increases the availability of fresh, local produce
- Strengthens the sense of community
The success of this project raises important questions: How can other communities replicate such efforts? Here are a few ways you can contribute to food security:
- Support Local Growers: Purchase from local farmers and markets to keep food production sustainable. Eat seasonal produce!
- Community Gardens: Establish shared growing spaces where residents can cultivate food together.
- Food Rescue Programs: Partner with grocery stores and farms to redistribute surplus food to those in need.
- Advocate for Policy Support: Encourage local governments to invest in food security initiatives.
At New Society, we are proud to share Gabriola Island with organizations like GNES and PHC, who are making a real difference. The polytunnel project is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions. It’s a reminder that through collaboration, we can create resilient food systems that nourish both people and the land.
