The Coalition of Neighbourhood Houses, an informal network of community centres that span Greater Victoria, is working together on a Neighbourhood Family Food Security program to serve the region.
The group is made up of the Beacon Community Services, Burnside Gorge Community Association, Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society, Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group, James Bay Community Project, Quadra Village Community Centre, Saanich Neighbourhood Place and the Sooke Family Resource Society.
“We got together and agreed that there was value in co-ordinating our efforts at obtaining funding,” said Lee Herrin, executive director for the Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group. “By co-ordinating our efforts, we have become more efficient and better use existing funds.”
Funds provided by the Victoria Foundation for the program go toward co-ordinating and ensuring the sustainability of family, child and youth-focused food programs offered through the eight community-centre partners.
The community centres in the network serve as hubs of integrated resources for families. The centres meet food needs and provide opportunities for clients to build relationships with their neighbours.
They are also a place where they can learn essential life skills or connect with other resources and services. The programs help break down barriers and social isolation.
Some have child-care programs where children can have a nutritious meal, hang out and get an opportunity to play with other kids.
“The program is flexible and allows us to purchase a needed piece of equipment without having to apply for funds each time,” said Herrin. “It has allowed us to respond to needs on the ground and enables the best use of the funds.”
The end result: family meals, community kitchens and other food-skill programs that facilitate access to healthy food for vulnerable and low-income citizens. The goal is for them to better manage their own well-being and food security.
“Food is the original community organizing tool, it is so fundamental,” said Herrin.
“It may encourage a family, who may not willingly walk in through the door, to come share a meal and a conversation. From there we can start a relationship and offer them a whole range of other support.”
