Oceanside Community Church has been partnering with Nanaimo Foodshare’s Good Food Program for the past few years to offer affordable fresh fruit and vegetables to our community once a week at a reduced cost. Generally, 7-8 different items are in each bag, such as apples, potatoes, cucumbers, oranges, and seasonal produce. While the produce could cost up to $25 - $30 in a store, participants pay only $15.
We are thrilled to announce a new pilot program for the fall of 2025 which will make fresh produce even more affordable for those who pick up their Good Food Box at Oceanside Community Church.
What is the pilot? - Oceanside Community Church will purchase and pick up Good Food bags from Nanaimo Foodshare at a cost of $15 per bag and pass them on to the community at a cost of $5 per bag for a limited time to gauge interest and need.
How does it work? - The 12-week pilot program will begin on September 18th, 2025 and run through December 4, 2025. Participants can pay a one-time $60 subscription fee to cover the cost of a 12-week produce bag subscription (equivalent to $5/week).
Oceanside Community Church is also pleased to offer an additional protein (typically eggs or yogurt) as our gift to you!
Who is eligible? - Anyone and everyone! This pilot project is meant to provide fresh healthy food to all types of households, and in doing so provide financial relief, support food security and agriculture in BC, and make a positive impact in our community (that's what we're all about!). The number of spots is currently limited but could increase based on demand.
What do I need to do? - Follow the link below to secure a spot in the pilot program. Then pick up your bag Thursdays between 2:30-4:00 PM at the church. For the initial pilot period, these bags will only be available as a 12-week subscription, and must be picked up at the church. Delivery of bags is unavailable at this time.
Please Note: In order to maintain the feasability of the program due to the subsidy being provided, the program subscription fee is non-refundable once the program is under way.
This pilot program is made possible in part thanks to a generous grant from the Parksville Qualicum Beach Community Foundation.
Order Your Oceanside Good Food Box Today!
Volunteers Needed!
To volunteer to drive or to distribute (both on Thursdays), talk to Jennah.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
What’s in the bags? - The bags are influenced by the growing season and what is the best value that week, but usually contain a handful of potatoes, a couple of onions, and a leafy green such as lettuce/chard/spinach. There is weekly variety with additional items like zucchini, cucumber, grapefruit, strawberries, cabbage, beets, squash, apples or oranges.
What is the protein option? - Currently, it’s usually eggs! Oceanside Community Church gathers unexpired eggs and yogurt that would normally be thrown out by grocery chains due to packaging imperfections/cracks. We provide these as a nutritional “bonus” for Good Food patrons and to help reduce food waste in our area.
I don’t want a bag every week, can I order less often? - The pilot is restricted to a weekly bag, but you can share the subscription with a friend by giving them the name the bag has been ordered under. Or, you can simply leave the bag for donation on weeks that you can't pick up. Bags are always available to be ordered directly through Nanaimo Foodshare on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis at regular price.
I can’t make the pick-up time work for my schedule. Can I still take part somehow? - Yes, just arrange for someone else to pick up your bag for you. Bags must be picked-up by 4:00 on Thursdays or they are donated within the community to reduce food waste.
Can you deliver to my home? - We are currently unable to offer delivery, but regularly priced bags purchased through Nanaimo Foodshare still have a delivery option.