Loaves & Fishes Transforms Island Food Insecurity

By Kurtis Johnstone

Nov 20, 2023

In the heart of Nanaimo, the Loaves & Fishes Food Bank serves over 15,000 people across more than 30 communities, including 15 Indigenous communities. Since 2016 it has been the Food Banks BC National Hub instrumental in sourcing food through local, regional, and national partnerships. According to its website it distributed over $6.9 million worth of food in 2022 alone.

Founded in the late 1980s by a local church minister and congregation in Nanaimo, Loaves & Fishes has evolved into a key player in the fight against hunger and food insecurity on Vancouver Island. 

Joel Hampson, the Community Partner Manager at Loaves & Fishes, was out of work during Covid and joined the food bank to witness the immediate impact of their work. Hampson recalls an elderly woman who was initially ashamed of needing help. 

“After understanding our mission, she was in tears, grateful and thankful for the support,” he says. This story is a testament to the organization’s commitment to serving with dignity and compassion. 

Another community member, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their gratitude. “As someone who struggles to make ends meet, the support [from Loaves & Fishes] has really helped my family – even just a few items each week makes a huge difference.”

Loaves & Fishes also operates Free Food Markets (FFMs) in Nanaimo, Cedar, and Port Hardy, allowing people to shop themselves. This provides their customers with a sense of well-being and fights income-related stigma associated with visiting food banks according to a CBC article on the topic.

Loaves and Fishes also provides food support free of charge to over 100 organizations, including the VIU Students’ Union (VIUSU). This collaboration has led to the establishment of VIUSU’s free breakfast and coffee bar for students, demonstrating the organization’s reach and impact on different demographics of the community. 

Mathews Tharakan, VIUSU’s Organizer of Member Services and Outreach, says Loaves & Fishes was instrumental in getting this new initiative off the ground: “Enrolling as a community food partner with Nanaimo Loaves & Fishes ensured readily accessible food options – fruit, vegetables, dairy, and snacks.” The new initiative has improved student well-being, environmental responsibility, and food security on campus.

Behind the scenes, Loaves & Fishes operations are complex yet efficient. A fleet of trucks manages daily food recovery runs, sorting, and distribution with over 20 full-time staff and 200 weekly volunteers according to Hampson. Food is sourced, sorted, and delivered effectively across the island, allowing them to access high-value items like meat and dairy from grocery store partnerships across Nanaimo and Vancouver Island.

A new warehouse project is now underway to significantly enhance their capacity. “This expansion means we can serve more communities more efficiently,” Hampson notes. The project, supported by local and provincial governments, will provide a 26,000 sq ft space, allowing for larger shipments and more extensive distribution. 

Despite the organization’s successful expansion, challenges still remain. One of the biggest is ensuring consistent, reliable food recovery across the island. “The challenge is grand,” Hampson admits, “but it also presents a huge opportunity to tackle food waste more effectively.”

For Nanaimo and other Vancouver Island communities, Loaves & Fishes is not just a food bank, but a vital community asset. Through their extensive network, commitment to dignity, and innovative programs they are making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands, one meal at a time.