ISLAND FARM GARDEN&
islands agriculture show farm co-ownership agreements
the challenges of cannabis
ISLAND FARM GARDEN&
Publisher: Judy Stafford, Cowichan Green Community
360 Duncan Street, Duncan, B.C. V9L 3W4
tel: 250.748.8506 fax: 250.597.1112 cowichangreencommunity.org
Editor: Eric Morten | editor@cowichangreencommunity.org
Thanks to our "experts in the field" for sharing their wisdom
TABLE OF CONTENTS
by Eric Morten, Editor
Heather Haseltine
My, the seasons pass quickly! I took up the role of Editor when Cowichan Green Community acquired Island Farm & Garden as a social enterprise in 2016. It's been a rewarding eight years bringing all the agricultural news, views and images to you, dear reader. I write this message as my final contribution to the magazine before retirement. Your new Editor is Ian Locke and I'm excited to see what Ian brings to IFG. Ian can be reached by email at: editor@cowichangreencommunity.org
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And thank YOU, dear reader, for your interest and your support. I've had the opportunity to meet many of you and have been overwhelmed by your enthusiasm. I hope to see you out at a farmers' market or a seedy sunday event. I 'm proud to say to you one last time, "happy gardening!"
photo:
you've come a longbudway,
by
It’s no secret the mild climate of Vancouver Island and the rural islands creates some of the best conditions for growing cannabis in Canada. For example, Dabble Cannabis is harnessing the Cowichan Valley’s unique Mediterranean climate to cultivate premium sungrown cannabis. While the smaller indoor growers are blending traditional growing techniques with innovative practices to produce unique, highquality products.
Lisa Marie Barron Working for you!
Member of Parliament | Nanaimo–Ladysmith
Community Office
103 - 495 Dunsmuir Street, Nanaimo BC V9R 6B9
1-866-390-7550
LisaMarie.Barron@parl.gc.ca
Diana Jolly photos supplied
For cannabis retailers like Mood Cannabis and Coast Range Cannabis, sourcing locally isn’t just about quality—it’s about supporting a thriving community of passionate growers. But what sets Island-grown cannabis apart? What challenges do these small-scale producers face in an ever-changing industry? And how do these partnerships shape the future of cannabis on Vancouver Island?
To answer these questions, we spoke with Island Good retailers Cory Waldron from Mood Cannabis (locations in Nanaimo) and Sheila Rivers from Coast Range Cannabis (locations in Comox Valley) who are at the forefront of the Island’s craft cannabis movement.
Can you share a bit about the Island growers you work with and what sets their products apart?
Cory Waldron (Mood Cannabis):
One of the growers that we source our island-grown products from is Kevin Varner, of Royal Harvest Craft Cannabis, located just outside of the Duncan area. One of the things that sets their products apart from others includes their unwavering commitment to growing high-quality, awardwinning cannabis, in other words, exceptional BC Bud, as it’s known to many BC consumers. Royal Harvest also consistently offers unique and rare genetics to the BC market. Being what is called a “micro” grower, means that the products are hand-crafted, and not produced in a mass-scale so to speak. Every bud is hand-trimmed, hang dried, and cold cured for just the right amount or time, resulting in a fantastic cannabis offering.
Sheila Rivers (Coast Rangel Cannabis): At Coast Range, we focus on locally sourced goods from all over Vancouver Island. We bring in products from Victoria Cannabis Co., BC Weed Co. (Victoria), Papa Joe’s Organics (Sooke), Sitka Weed Works (Sooke) Green Mile Original (Sooke), Dabble Cannabis (Cowichan Valley, female-led and family-run), Good Buds, Weathered Islands, Salt Spring Magic and many more throughout the seasons. Our Island growers and producers consistently supply us with unique
offerings, and customers (and staff) come in again and again to purchase. Their quality control is outstanding, and they are best known for their incredible flavour.
How does sourcing locally impact the quality and uniqueness of your offerings?
Cory: As a retailer, we really strive to offer freshly harvested and packaged products to our consumers, and we find that Royal Harvest products are always fresh and unique. We like to support Island-growers as much as possible and it’s nice to be able to source out high-quality cannabis that other retailers may not have. Anytime you can offer unique and quality products at a reasonable price that others don’t have it’s a winning combination.
Sheila: Sourcing local keeps our offerings as fresh as possible. Most of the island growers and producers are craft micro growers, meaning they don’t output as much as the larger companies. This allows them to grow smaller harvests with unique genetics. A lot of the times when we order direct, we are the only ones carrying that particular strain of bud.
What challenges and opportunities do Island growers face in the cannabis industry?
Cory: Within cannabis legalization, BC and Island producers/ growers have faced numerous challenges, including steep excise taxes, price compression, and distribution hurdles. It’s challenging for small-scale cannabis farmers to wear all the hats from growing, marketing, sales, and distribution, but there’s some passionate growers out there like Kevin, who are relentless in their pursuit of supplying the market with great products.
As far as opportunities for Island growers, like Royal Harvest, they can share their story of cultivating premium products. Consumers, especially those seeking high-quality cannabis, are able to source out purity, potency, and an unparalleled experience.
Sheila: The Island growers face a lot of challenges. It is an underdog story against not only the larger companies but illegal ones too. While competition in the legal market is tough, it becomes even more difficult when dealing with the unregulated market. These local farmers have established their operations in line with Health Canada regulations, offering tested, regulated products at great value.
However, it’s inspiring to witness the positive impact these island growers are creating, from more jobs to increased tourism.
How do partnerships with Island growers align with your values?
Cory: When I started my business plan for Mood, it was then and still is today, my goal to be able to provide locally-sourced and Island-grown craft cannabis. Our relationship with growers like Royal Harvest is very much in alignment with our values and beliefs that cannabis consumers on the Island should be able to access high-quality, Island-grown BC cannabis. It’s great to have a relationship where I can call Kevin directly to find out what upcoming products will be available, what genetics he’s offering, growing methods, etc. That’s generally not the type of relationship that cannabis retailers have when sourcing from large, licensed
producers from other parts of Canada. I love the fact that Royal Harvest offers full transparency about their products.
Sheila: For Coast Range we choose local goods first. It’s important for our stores to offer unique fresh goods, while being able to tell customers about the farms we have visited and how passionate the growers and producers are. It’s a wonderful mix when you can offer a story with the product you are selling, and it gives our team confidence in what they are recommending.
Are there any specific stories or successes from these partnerships that you’d like to highlight?
Cory: We’re excited to showcase this unique aspect of the local cannabis industry and shine a light on the positive impact of these collaborations on our Island community. The craft cannabis community in BC is a close-knit group, often coming together for conferences and social events that focus on building relationships. I love attending these gatherings, where it’s all about connecting with growers, producers, processors, and retailers. It’s an
opportunity to meet the growers, explore their products, sample them, ask questions, and even place orders on the spot. Growers, like Kevin, have done an amazing job at not only growing excellent cannabis, but they really care about the cannabis community and making sure that BC consumers are getting the best of the best. This industry can be challenging, but the relationships we build along the way make it easier—and fuel my passion for retail and the plant.
Sheila: We have visited Dabble Cannabis in the Cowichan Valley. This stunning farm offers scenic views and a guest house on their property. We were able to see and smell their beautiful harvests and get a real sense of the family that runs it. Dabble has kindly come up for a rep visit, educating customers and staff on their products. Dabble is our #1 selling extracts brand and is now the first Island producer to offer legal edibles including infused mini chocolate waffle cones!
Thank you to Cory and Sheila for taking the time to share their valuable insights on the growing Cannabis industry on Vancouver
Island and the rural islands. Mood Cannabis and Coast Range Cannabis are setting the standards for cannabis retailers by supporting Island growers and prioritizing quality, sustainability, and community. It’s all Good, Island Good!
Island Good is a place brand to help shoppers easily identify local products (Vancouver Island and Rural Islands). Learn more at www.islandgood.ca.
Island Good is a place brand to help shoppers easily identify local products (Vancouver Island and the rural islands). Look for the Island Good logo on products and in stores across Vancouver Island.
a study hopeof
Book review: “The environmental crisis is also a crisis of hope”
by Beth Walrond
At the Master Gardener’s Association of B.C. AGM, this past fall we were privileged to hear Elin Kelsey speak, from a cave in Turkey. I was so inspired by her messages that I bought her book Hope Matters.
Hope Matters is an important book about the environment, because the author discusses, the problems we face, and brings forward science-based evidence that are positive solutions.
Elin explains that hope is not wishful thinking. Recognition of environmental problems
and then looking for solutions and acting on that information is what creates a hopeful future. The doom and gloom media are a problem because it is overwhelming when only the problems are reported without any solutions. Eco-anxiety weighs heavily on everyone, especially children, who fear they have no future. Compassion must be shown to children the author writes, by teaching them about environmental solutions. Elin provides her readers with a wealth of sources and examples of Earth’s resilience.
Elin and some of her colleagues, have created an interesting site on the internet called Ocean Optimism which encourages people to report on ocean health. Her group started it, not knowing what would happen. Would it be ignored? Would no one have anything to report? It went viral with 90 million views. It is still going strong. https://www.oceanoptimism.org/oceanoptimism-instagram/
“Hope is not complacent. It is a powerful political act”. (pg. 40) Elin really analyzes what hope is and what is not. She identifies the kinds of hope needed now.
• Hope to drive our individual environmental actions
• Hope to power societal transformations
• Hope in the face of hopelessness.
Regarding the first kind of hope, individual actions Elin references Institute of Physics which lists the most important actions individuals can take to help the environment. They are:
• Live car-free
• Eat plant-based diet
• Avoid air travel
• Ditch single use plastics
• Don’t waste food
• Push for earth friendly policies
in the thousands. Whales help the ocean by creating food source for Phyto plankton, which produces two thirds of the worlds oxygen and capture 40% of CO2 produced. More whales mean more fish.
• Financial institutions are responding to client pressure for sustainable funds and are moving towards that in trillions.
• Harbour Air is electrifying their float planes.
There are many more specific examples in her book. This is so encouraging. There is hope.
How are you doing with this list? Live car free is the toughest one for me.
Focus on individual actions does not mean corporations that cause pollution are off the hook. Researchers at the Climate Accountability Institute, report that 20 companies are responsible for 35% of the world’s energy-related carbon-dioxide and methane emissions. (Pg. 14) They are being held accountable.
One of the interesting and important points Elin makes in her book, and at the MCABC talk is that we need to keep checking on information because things are changing constantly. She covers the changes extensively in her book. Really good things are happening. To name a few:
• The river Thames in England used to catch on fire because it was so polluted. It is now the cleanest river in the world and is host to numerous fish, mammals and sea life.
• Whales that were near extinction a few decades ago, now number
One of the trends she discusses is Solutions Journalism Network, which was founded in 2013. The founders believe solutions are newsworthy. See: www.solutionsjournalism.org.
“Studies reveal that when we don’t know about past improvements, we are much more likely to be pessimistic about the future.” (Pg. 75)
The subtitle of Hope Matters is “Why Changing the Way We Think is Critical to Solving the Environmental Crisis” She writes “It requires a shift from “either/ or” thinking to “both/and” thinking. Knowing how dire circumstances are and what’s working to improve them is essential for identifying solutions. Climate action and economic growth are no longer a conflict. Bold climate action could generate $26 trillion in benefits through 2030.” (Pg. 163)
The shift in thinking is what is needed. This is a complex problem and we have to continue working on solving it. Many organizations, individuals, cities, countries are working on solutions.
I highly recommend this book. I have already bought extra copies and given them away. Young people especially need to know there is hope, and they do have a future.
Hope Matters was published in 2020 by Greystoke Book Vancouver and the David Suzuki Foundation.
Beth Walrond: B.A. Diploma Visual Arts, M.A. Gardening. Member of Vancouver Island Master Gardener’s Association.
farm fiascos & smooth transitions:
The case for co-ownership agreements
story
& photos by
Shane Landreville
Co-owning property can be an exciting and rewarding venture, but it can also be a legal and emotional minefield. Whether it’s a family farm, a shared investment, or a homestead, co-ownership without a plan can lead to bitter disputes and unintended consequences. A co-ownership agreement provides a roadmap for shared ownership, ensuring that expectations, responsibilities, and rights are clearly defined. Let’s illustrate the difference between having a well-thoughtout co-ownership agreement and diving in without one.
Story 1: The Dream That Turned Into a Nightmare
When Sarah convinced her parents, Bob and Linda, to help buy a 10-acre property with her for a market garden, Sarah’s dream, it felt like the start of something special. Sarah was ambitious, her parents were supportive, and together they purchased the land. Sarah lived in the main house, while Bob and Linda moved into a cozy carriage house on the property. What could go wrong?
Plenty, as it turned out.
First, expenses became a source of tension. Sarah believed that since she was working the land and building the business, her parents should contribute more toward property maintenance. Bob and Linda, on the other hand, felt they had already done their part by investing in the purchase and expected Sarah to cover ongoing costs.
Then, Sarah decided to build a basement suite to rent out. She saw it as a smart financial move, a way to ease the financial burden on the farm. Her parents were horrified. They didn’t want a stranger living on the property, and they certainly didn’t want to be left out of the decision-making process. The situation escalated into a family feud.
Meanwhile, Sarah’s sister, Emily, who had no involvement in the farm, began to question why their parents had tied up so much of their savings in Sarah’s dream. Without clear estate planning, Emily worried about what would happen when Bob and Linda passed away. Would she be left fighting for her fair share of the inheritance, or would she be forced into joint ownership with Sarah? The lack of a co-ownership agreement meant there were no answers—only conflict.
Story 2: A Well-Planned Family Farm
In contrast, the Jensen family took a different approach. Mike and Carol had four children and a sprawling farm they had spent decades building. When it came time to plan their estate, two of their kids, Alex and Laura, wanted to continue farming, while the other two, Greg and Sarah, had no interest in the agricultural life. Rather than leaving the farm to chance,
Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM Code)
UPDATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLAN REQUIREMENTS
As of July 15, 2024, phosphorus-affected areas have been phased-in for nutrient management plan (NMP) requirements.
YOU WILL NEED AN NMP FOR THE SPRING 2025 growing season if you are operating in a vulnerable aquifer recharge area or a phosphorus-affected area identified in the AEM Code and you:
į apply nutrients (i.e., manure or fertilizers) to your land, and
į have an agricultural operation with a total agricultural land base of five hectares or more (this includes horticultural operations), and
į have a post-harvest nitrate soil test result of 100 kg N/ha (89 lb N/ac) or more in a vulnerable aquifer recharge area, or
į have a phosphorus test of 200ppm or more in a phosphorus-affected area
FOR MORE INFORMATION and to find out if you are in a vulnerable aquifer recharge area or phosphorous-affected area, visit gov.bc.ca/NutrientManagementPlan, scan the QR CODE , or contact AEMCoPenquiries@gov.bc.ca.
Mike and Carol structured their estate plan carefully.
Before Alex and Laura would receive the farm, their parents required them to sign a co-ownership agreement. This agreement covered:
Financial Responsibilities: Who pays for what, including taxes, maintenance, and operational costs.
Decision-Making: How major decisions (like selling part of the land or taking on debt) would be made.
Dispute Resolution: A process for settling disagreements without tearing the family apart.
Exit Strategies: What happens if one sibling wants out? Would they sell their share, and if so, at what price?
Succession Planning: What happens to each owner’s share upon their death— would it go to their heirs or revert to the other co-owner?
Because these issues were addressed upfront, the transition was smooth. Greg and Sarah received life insurance
and cash inheritances equal in value to their share of the farm, eliminating any resentment. Alex and Laura, now armed with a legally binding agreement, ran the farm successfully without conflicts over ownership, decision-making, or finances.
When Alex unexpectedly decided to move to the city five years later, the agreement had a provision allowing Laura the right to buy him out at fair market value. Because they had planned ahead, there was no drama, no disputes—just a structured, predictable process that honored their family’s wishes.
What is a Co-Ownership Agreement and Why Do You Need One?
A co-ownership agreement sets out the rights and responsibilities of multiple property owners, whether for farmland, recreational property, investment real estate, or a shared home. It clarifies financial contributions, property use, decision-making, dispute resolution, exit strategies, and succession planning. By addressing these issues upfront, co-owners can avoid misunderstandings, streamline management, and ensure a clear process for resolving conflicts or transitioning ownership.
As Sarah’s story shows, the absence of a co-ownership agreement can lead to financial disputes, strained relationships, and legal uncertainty. On the other hand, as the Jensen family’s story illustrates, a well-structured agreement can ensure smooth transitions, fairness, and long-term success.
If you’re thinking of co-owning property, don’t leave things to chance. A well-drafted co-ownership agreement today can save years of stress and heartache down the road.
Shane Landreville is a lawyer at the law firm Ramsay Lampman Rhodes, with offices in Nanaimo, Port Alberni and Courtenay. Shane practices in the area of estate, tax, and corporate law, and is a farmer in the Comox Valley. Shane takes appointments in all three offices.
bc food hubs: growing local, driving innovation
By Darian Deering
The BC Food Hub Network is a vital initiative that supports local food systems, drives economic growth, and enhances food security across British Columbia. It provides small- and medium-sized food processors with shared-use facilities, equipment, and resources to scale operations, reduce costs, and innovate sustainably. By lowering barriers to entry, the network empowers entrepreneurs and smaller producers to compete in a market often dominated by larger corporations.
A key strength of the Food Hub Network is its ability to promote regional food production. By connecting producers to local markets, it strengthens community ties, reduces food miles, and supports a sustainable supply chain. These hubs play a critical role in improving food security, particularly in remote and rural areas, by increasing access to locally produced food.
Food Hubs also fosters innovation by providing training programs, internships, and access to equipment that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive for small-scale producers. This
allows businesses to develop new products without significant financial burdens, aligning with BC’s goals of regional economic growth and reducing the environmental impact of long-distance transportation.
As of May 14, 2024, the BC Food Hub Network includes 13 regional hubs, with several operational and others under development. Active hubs include Commissary Connect (Vancouver), Plenty & Grace (Surrey), The Dock+ (Port Alberni), Kootenay Farms (Creston), Zest (Salmon Arm), Fraser Valley Artisans (Abbotsford), and The Stir (Kamloops). The Cowichan Green Community Food Hub is set to open in summer 2025.
Overall, the BC Food Hub Network is a cornerstone of the province’s food and agriculture industries. It promotes sustainability, innovation, and resilience in the face of challenges like climate change and global supply chain disruptions, serving as a model for building stronger, localized food systems.
bench school nature club: upcycling paper waste for bees & trees
by Erin Ward
Over the noon hour recess, the Bench Elementary School Nature Club in Cowichan Bay, have been having a fun whilst participating in actions that save trees, reduce waste, upcycle resources, support pollinators, and create community.
When school custodians informed teachers about the significant amount of paper being wasted at the school, the Nature Club decided to spring into action and developed an engaging program revolved around upcycling paper waste. Fortunately, the club isn’t alone in its efforts and has been supported through a fund by the Climate Action Advisory Committee chaired by School Trustee, Eduardo Sousa.
One of the club’s standout initiatives is upcycling paper scraps into artisanal, hand-crafted paper embedded with wildflower seeds. These plantable papers serve as greeting cards or gifts and later provide nourishment for local pollinators. The club also repurposes ‘Good On One Side’ (GOOS) paper into zines—mini magazines on diverse topics. A traveling zine library will circulate these student creations among classes to help inspire the whole school community to take creative environmental action.
Nature Club members shared their excitement, saying, “Making plantable paper is so fun, and it feels good to help the bees!”
The Club’s efforts have inspired Erin Ward, Bench parent and co-owner of Cowichan Recyclists, a bike-based social enterprise that collects recycling in downtown Duncan using bike trailers. “Getting bogged down in the bookkeeping of a small business can start to overshadow the reason why we love it,” said Erin. “But seeing the energy and excitement of the children in Nature Club, and hearing Club Leaders Vanessa Tan and Sherry Gignac talk about protecting trees by using less paper, reignited my passion for our work”.
The club makes the connection between nature and paper waste. While learners are shredding paper scraps in preparation to make the seeded pollinator paper, they get to see how the material changes form into a valuable resource of exciting new possibilities to be respected rather than discarded. The zines are also another way to experience the transformation of ‘waste’ to resource as the GOOS paper becomes personalized cartoons, stories, and explorations on topics of interest.
Nature based learning in schools is growing in popularity and Society’s such as Farm to School BC help schools provide students with access to soil and the experience of
growing food. Another way to bring nature education into schools is by reading over the local school district strategic plan to see if environmental stewardship is a goal and contacting regional school trustees to see how their action plans are going. The role of a School Trustee is to engage their community to reflect local priorities, values, and strategic goals. As locally elected representatives, their responsibility is to listen to their communities, guide the work of their school district, and set plans, policies, and the annual budget.
The new 2025-2030 Cowichan Valley School District 79 Strategic Plan includes ‘Caring for Place’ as one of their four main priorities, which is described as ‘restoring the relationship with the land that compels us to move forward in a more ecologically balanced way’.
Nature clubs are just one of the ways to provide students with hands-on opportunities to explore environmental stewardship, gardening, and food literacy, seeding the next generation of people to care for the land.
The Bench School Nature Club proves that when we work together, small actions can cross pollinate positive changes within our communities.
start the car...
by Kortnee Smith
CGC in downtown Duncan will now be offering our mouth-watering smash burgers TWO days a week! That’s right—double the days to enjoy the double Smash Burger.
On January 28th, CGC’s Burgers were made available Tuesdays AND Fridays at the reFRESH Marketplace Store located at 360 Duncan Street.
Don’t miss out—mark your calendars and come hungry!
scene around the farm
Views from the 2025
Islands Agriculture Show
photos: Eric Morten
try this chicken and vegetable salad for lunch or dinner
There are tons of food combinations that go well with salads. You can opt for dairy-free options, add different proteins and vegetables, play around with dressing options and have fun. This one, developed by the team behind the Montreal-based FoodHero app, includes the option to add marinated chicken to the mix.
Rainbow Chicken Spring Salad
Prep time: 20 minutes (+1 hour if including chicken)
Cook time: 30 minutesMakes: 2-3 servings
Ingredients:
Chicken
3 boneless chicken breasts
¼ cup (60 ml) of olive oil
3 tbsp (45 ml) balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced garlic
Pinch of salt and pepper
Salad
1 bunch of asparagus
½ cup (120 ml) frozen peas or edamame, thawed (or use fresh)
A handful of salad greens (again, use what you’ve got)
2 radishes, thinly sliced
cup (80 ml) crumbled cheese (blue cheese, feta cheese, goat cheese, etc.)
½ avocado, pitted and diced
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped nuts
½ cup (125 ml) roasted chickpeas
Fresh herbs, for garnish (basil, mint, chives, etc.)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Dressing
1 small garlic clove (or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 tbsp (15 g) lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
½ tsp (2 ml) lemon zest (optional)
1 tbsp (15 g) vinegar (white wine, balsamic, fig, etc.)
2 tbsp (30 g) oil (olive, avocado, peanut, etc.)
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh or dry basil/mint (or combine both)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Marinade the chicken breasts in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt and pepper for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate overnight.
2. Grill or pan fry chicken over medium heat for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add a pinch of salt.
4. Set a bowl of ice water nearby to cool the asparagus.
5. Snap the woody ends off the asparagus then blanch for about 1 minute, or until tender.
6. Transfer the asparagus to the ice water for another minute, then drain.
7. Dry and chop the asparagus into bite-sized pieces, then transfer it into a separate bowl with peas.
8. For the dressing, mix lemon juice, zest, vinegar, oil, herbs, garlic and salt in a food processor.
9. Add half the dressing to the asparagus and peas, toss to coat evenly and season with salt and pepper.
10. Assemble the salad by adding the radishes, leafy greens, avocado, cheese, nuts and chickpeas to the asparagus and peas then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss well.
11. Top with chicken and drizzle with leftover dressing.
Find more recipes and where to find low-cost local grocery products at foodhero.com.
pregnancy food connections program seeks support
by Janet Krenz, photo by Alicia Petresc
For over 10 years, the Pregnancy Food Connections Program has provided twice-monthly beef, eggs, and vegetable vouchers for participants of local pregnancy support programs such as Healthiest Babies Possible. These vouchers are redeemed at Cowichan Green Community’s (CGC) reFRESH Marketplace in downtown Duncan. This essential food program supports about 60 clients and their families per month.
Nutrition during pregnancy and in the early years is an extremely important and sensitive period – one that can affect physical and mental health lifelong. Meat and eggs are nutrient-dense sources of many nutrients including protein, vitamins and iron. Iron is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies which can lifelong effects on physical and mental health.
Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy can also increase the risk of preterm birth. Unfortunately, the Cowichan Region has one of the highest rates of preterm birth in BC. The Program helps to address this with meat and egg vouchers and also by building
trust and connecting clients and families with community resources and services such as House of Friendship and Public Health staff.
The Program includes many partners such as the Rotary Club of Duncan who supports with fundraising and CGC who is our financial and administrative partner. We are grateful to the Duncan Butcher Shop where we purchase the beef and Farmer Bens Eggs where we purchase the eggs. As well, there are many Island Health nurses and Healthiest Babies Possible staff who help get the vouchers into the hands of pregnant families.
Unfortunately, funds are running very low for this program, which costs about $18,000 per year. Please consider supporting healthier children and families in the Cowichan Region by contributing to this valuable program. Financial donations are always welcome but we would love donations of local eggs as well.
All donations over $20 will be issued a tax receipt . For more information or to make a donation, please call Judy at 250-7488506 or email judy@cowichancreencommunity.org
community notes cowichan green
by Judy Stafford, Publisher
Seventeen years ago, I embarked on a journey that would forever change my life. Since becoming the Executive Director of Cowichan Green Community (CGC) in 2007, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated, passionate, and inspiring people I’ve ever met. As I announce my retirement, I’m filled with immense gratitude and pride for everything we’ve achieved together.
When I joined CGC, I could never have imagined the scope of what we would accomplish. From launching the reFRESH Marketplace, which has become a lifeline for families needing affordable, healthy food, to establishing the KinPark Youth Urban Farm, where young people gain hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, every project has been a testament to the power of community.
We became part of BC’s Food Hub Network, strengthening local food systems and creating economic opportunities in the Cowichan Region. And as you can see when you drive by our Farm on Beverly Street, the construction is well underway for our region’s very own Food Hub. This was five years in the making and I couldn’t be more proud of what is to come.
Over the years, with the CGC team, we’ve built amazing partnerships, raised millions of dollars for community projects, and supported countless individuals and families. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our
staff, volunteers, board of directors, community partners, and donors.
I want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey—those who shared their expertise, rolled up their sleeves and believed in our vision. Your dedication and resilience have inspired me every single day. I am going to miss you all so much.
I also want to send out my heartfelt gratitude to Eric Morten, our Editor Extraordinaire of this wonderful little magazine as he also steps away to spend more time with family and his music. We definitely could not have pulled all these issues together without him. We’re looking forward to working with our new Editor Ian Locke! Welcome to the team Ian.
While it’s bittersweet to step away, I do so with confidence in CGC’s future. Our team is strong, and our mission remains vital. I’m excited to see how CGC continues to evolve and grow under the new leadership of CGC’s new Executive Director Vanessa Daether.
As I enter this next chapter, I leave with a full heart, countless memories, and deep gratitude for the community that has made the past 17 years so meaningful. Thank you for letting me be part of this journey.
Welcome to CGC’s New Executive Director
As of February 3rd, 2025, Vanessa Daether is the new Executive Director of Cowichan Green Community.
Vanessa (she/her) is a scholar and practitioner of community-based research and food systems transformation. She spent the early part of her career working with agricultural, food security, and seed savings organizations in Canada and abroad. In 2011, an opportunity to lead community food projects at Cowichan Green Community (CGC) in Duncan, BC, brought her back to Vancouver Island. Upon her departure from CGC in 2016, she continued to work across business, academic, health, and non-profit sectors to address regional food issues. Vanessa is excited to be coming back to CGC and taking on the role of Executive Director. She’ll be working alongside Judy Stafford until Judy’s official retirement in May 2025.
the limits of food banks
by Sean Burnett
One of the first things people ask me when I tell them I work in food recovery is often, “Do you give to the food bank?” While the answer is yes, I think the common recurrence of this question shows people are mistakenly equating food charity with food banks. What people ought to know is that Canadian food banks aren’t handing out zero-barrier food. It is my understanding that food bank staff are often loath to let people leave empty-handed, but food banks are regional providers. Therefore, food banks require formal clients to register using their government ID and proof of address in the area. Consequently, there are times where people without those things won’t receive food from food banks, so where do they go then?
The Cowichan Green Community’s (CGC) food recovery program serves multiple providers who fill this niche. Including our local food bank–the Cowichan Valley Basket Society–there are a total of eighteen programs to which the CGC delivers food. Several of these programs serve populations for which food banks are insufficient. For instance, the Penelakut Island First Nations, whose closest food bank is in Chemainus, pick up food from us weekly. Were the Cheimanus Food Bank the only access Penelakut residents had to low-barrier food they would have to overcome ferry costs, scheduling, and adequate means of transportation to acquire foodstuffs. In short, the food bank is an inefficient option for them, especially compared to a pickup service that brings recovered produce to them. Transportation and storage are often scarce for people experiencing food insecurity, and in more remote regions this scarcity makes food banks incapable of addressing food insecurity.
More complications arise around food banks that have limited hours. The food bank in Lake Cowichan is open to the public solely on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Consequently, it is difficult for individuals to collect food regularly, and for local businesses to donate. The CGC delivers recovered food from elsewhere in the valley to Cowichan Lake Community Services twice a week, and receives donations from Lake Cowichan’s Country Grocer thrice a week. Without the CGC’s involvement, the quantity of low-barrier food in Lake Cowichan would be minimal. Moreover, much of the produce from its local grocers wouldn’t last long enough to be distributed. Minimizing food waste requires reliable means of distribution. If a local food bank has limited hours, then some other way must be found to deliver outside those times.
The work food banks do is invaluable, and without them many people would be far worse off. However, that doesn’t mean they can face all instances of food insecurity. Legal requirements, physical distance, and limited working hours render food banks ineffective towards people who cannot operate within their framework. Therefore, food insecurity is unsolvable via food banks alone. What food banks can to overcome these challenges is work with community-driven initiatives and non-profits like the CGC to distribute food beyond their reach. The CGC’s food recovery program meets many people in places food banks cannot get to. By delivering to, and working with, first nations, shelters, and community initiatives directly the CGC has managed to get food into the hands of people who either cannot, or would struggle to, acquire it from a food bank. Next time you think about food charity don’t forget the food bank, but consider that there are other places for your donation.
kinpark community pantry
by James Chumsa
The KinPark Community Food Pantry located at the end of Ypres Street in the Cowichan Region provides free food for anyone living in the area. Staff and volunteers at Cowichan Green Community (CGC) manage the pantry and stock it up Monday to Friday. Anyone can take from or leave food items any time, and during weekends, it relies on good Samaritans to keep it stocked.
The food CGC provides for the pantry is donated from various local grocery stores and bakeries. Before reaching the pantry, food donations are sorted and inedible produce is put into bins for local pig farmers to use as feed. The remaining good food is then distributed to various places in Cowichan such as the Food Bank, Meals on the Ground, the local Women’s Shelter, as well as the KinPark Pantry.
What the Pantry provides changes from day to day but most days it is stocked up with fruits and vegetables and nearly
every day there is lots of bread. Food sort volunteers are conscious about who accesses the pantry, and will make sure to include items that unhoused individuals can grab and eat on the go such as sandwiches and muffins.
During the month of December, funded by a small grant, CGC staff put together blessing bags to leave in the Pantry. Each bag contained supplies helpful for those living on the streets such as a pair of gloves, socks, wet wipes, hand warming packets, band-aids, and oat bars.
Frequent users of the Pantry also include low-income residents living in neighbouring houses, high school students, and seniors. With the cost of groceries skyrocketing in Canada, the pantry has become quite popular. Many days the pantry will be stocked up full around morning or noon only for it to be empty by the late afternoon due to the numerous people who rely on it.
Canada is facing a crisis as more and more households are becoming more
food insecure. Last year, The Discourse reported that the usage of the Cowichan Valley Basket Society food bank had doubled compared to the previous year. This included a notable amount of seniors who could no longer afford groceries due to the increase in rents. According to Food Banks Canada’s British Columbia report card, the poverty rate is 6.4 per cent for seniors in the province overall and 14.3 per cent for seniors living alone. The number of homeless has increased dramatically in the Cowichan Region, with Cowichan Housing Society counting 129 in 2020 and 229 people in 2023. These numbers are understood to be the minimum number of individuals living on the street during a given day which has most likely increased since the last count.
Though the Pantry is one way to help alleviate the growing issue of food insecurity in the community, much more needs to be done to find longer term solutions to this problem.
4-H FARM FROLICS
HEAD, HEART HANDS & HEALTH
4-H is an organization dedicated to young people. The purpose of the 4-H program is to prepare girls and boys for their future as adult citizens. 4-H stands for head, heart, hands and health.
4-H British Columbia inspires and educates, builds awareness of agriculture and food production, and develop skills to help youth reach their full potential. It’s easy to become a part of 4-H by joining one of the existing clubs on the Island or by starting your own club; you can be a member or a leader of 4-H wherever you live. Members are between the ages of 6 and 21 and leaders are 22 years or older. For a list of chapters visit: www.4hbc.ca/clubs/vancouver-island
Introducing C-421: A National Food Cooperative Strategy
We all know that grocery prices in Canada are increasing at the fastest rate in over 40 years. Many Canadians are struggling to put food on the table, with more than ever resorting to food banks for help.
Across the ten provinces: 8.7 million Canadians - including 2.1 million children - lived in food-insecure households in 2023.
Canada’s grocery industry is dominated by a handful of large corporations, limiting consumer choice. In 2023, these same corporations reported over $6 billion in profits, while Canadians face financial hardship.
By supporting the establishment of more food cooperatives, we can foster a more competitive market and create community-owned businesses, all while making healthy, local food more available to everyone.
Scan the QR Code to add your name in support of Bill C-421:
