This fall has brought an expansion of local partnerships for JFS Food Security Programs. These partnerships are enriching lives by increasing food security and advancing food justice.
Donations from Locally Owned Farms
Two locally owned farms have joined the group of farms providing local produce for JFS Grocery and Meals Programs. Heppell’s Potato Corp. has been donating potatoes, squash, and carrots, and Canadian Farms Produce have been donating potatoes and squash throughout the fall.
They are in good company, joining other local farms committed to food security in our community:
- Athiana Acres
- Barbara Heller’s garden
- Richmond GAIA Farm
- Sparkes Corn Barn
- Stable Harvest Farm
- Windset Farms
Thank you to all the farms for your donations of nutritious produce for the JFS Grocery and Meal Programs!
JFS Moishe Farm Project
This year, Richmond Jewish Day School (RJDS) has joined with JFS for the JFS Moishe Farm Project. Behind the school, a new garden has been growing produce to increase food security in the lower mainland.
The JFS/RJDS collaboration is an expansion of Moishe’s Farm – a thriving farm run by Larry Vinegar and Marcy Schwartzman in memory of their son, Moishe z’l, who along with his parents was committed to food security and environmental justice. Larry and Marcy’s vision has attracted numerous supporters who have helped them grow and donate fresh food to JFS and other organizations.
Under supervision of Larry and Marcy and their crew of volunteers, the space at RJDS has been transformed into a garden filled with tasty squash.
RJDS students are excited about “their farm” and are busy learning and volunteering alongside JFS staff and volunteers. The JFS Moishe Farm Project gives the students the same sorts of opportunities that the Vancouver Jewish Community Garden provides to Vancouver Talmud Torah students. RJDS shares “By engaging in this gardening project, RJDS is not only providing fresh produce but also educating students about the importance of nutrition, sustainability and community involvement.”
Each week, the garden nourishes students and their families as well as JFS clients. Larry and Marcy deliver fresh produce from the JFS Moishe Farm Project at RJFS along with produce from the original Moishe’s Farm to the JFS Kitchen weekly for use in Food Security programs.
From The Kitchen to Its Hubs
This fall has also seen a new partnership formed between JFS and the local franchise of Two Men and A Truck Vancouver.
One of their staff members knew of JFS’ important food security work and the franchise approached Carol Hopkins, JFS Director of Food Security to volunteer with The Kitchen. They now help out by transporting around 35 orders (~100 grocery bags) bi-weekly from The Kitchen to the food hub at The Peretz Centre. “They’ve been incredible. They come every two weeks. There’s been the occasional time when they don’t have a big truck, so they come with a van,” says Carol.
But that’s not the only way they’ve volunteered their services. In addition to transporting groceries bi-weekly, they have also donated moving services. Carol adds, “They also supported one of our clients who needed to move furniture. They were going to do it at a lower rate and then decided to do it for free. Now, they have offered to do one free move a month for our low-income clients. They’re real mensches!”
Todah Rabah – thank you to all our partners, corporate, organizational, and individual community members. Without you this work would not be possible!