For over 28 years, The Good Food Box, based in Nanaimo and run by Nanaimo Foodshare, has served Vancouver Island residents by providing low-cost, healthy, and accessible food directly from farmers for Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Gabriola, Nanoose Bay, and Parksville residents. Every Thursday from 8 to 10 AM., 50 volunteers gather to package fresh produce and deliver it.
Jordan Matt, the Program Coordinator for the last two years, said the Good Food Box typically sells “about 500 [boxes] a week,” with 40 being donated to people in need. Those donated are either paid for by members of the public or by federal, provincial, or local funding or grants.
The Good Food Box contains approximately 7 – 10 different types of fruit and vegetables. Each box has $25 – $30 worth of produce at retail grocery prices, but is just $15. Boxes can be ordered once, weekly, or biweekly.
“We acquire our produce mainly through a local distributor,” Matt said. In the summer, the program purchases fresh fruit and vegetables from 10 local farms such Nanaimo Community Gardens, Beban Learning Gardens, The Gleaning Team, McNab’s Farm, Island Hothouse, Park Ave Farm, Van Isle Vertical Farms, Fresh Best Solutions, Peninsula Kiwi and Holden Lake Farm. During colder seasons, the program purchases low-cost produce nearby grocery stores may reject, such as vegetables with imperfections.
The initiative also strengthens community engagement in Nanaimo by hiring volunteers from local high schools, partnering with VIU students, and working with other local organizations. Matt explains that involvement between the volunteers and community is essential. There is an “intergenerational aspect to what we do here,” because many volunteers have grown up with Good Food Box over three decades and are still volunteering, while others are new recruits.
“The original idea for the Good Food Box actually comes from Japan,” said Matt. The Farmer’s Food Box program in Japan got food boxes donated to help alleviate financial pressures for those in need.
Reliance on food bank services has grown significantly since COVID, as Food insecurity worsens in Nanaimo. This highlights the importance of programs like the GFB.
Jodi Rogers, a retiree and volunteer of nearly 10 years, said that while fewer boxes are being purchased and donated than in years prior, she sees a need for the service, especially among families, students, and those with disabilities.
Delivery driver Trisha Crumpton said the initiative does more than provide food. “The connection for the people that we service is sometimes the only connection they have… everybody benefits,” Crumpton said. “We have clientele from working families, non-working families, seniors—it’s for everyone. It’s very inclusive.”
Vancouver Island University (VIU) student Nathan Hood believes that programs like The Good Food Box are particularly important for students, as food delivery can be helpful during exams and alleviate the time and stress of going out for groceries. “As a student, trying to figure out what to buy at a grocery store makes meal prep especially difficult. Having an almost random selection makes it (shopping) much easier,” Hood said.
In 2025, a University-wide survey studied food insecurity on VIU’s Nanaimo campus. At least 39% of students said they were often forced to skip meals. Some students have to decide between tuition and food, so programs like GFB ease this financial worry.
Those interested in purchasing a box should place orders at least nine days before Thursday’s drop-off. “We take all of our orders in, and then we order an exact amount of produce so we reduce our waste,” Matt said. Customers can also opt to pick up the box at any of the locations listed on their website. To volunteer email gfb@nanaimofoodshare.ca.
