The opportunity to help neighbours in need, close to home, means a lot to the Thrifty Foods team at Tuscany Village in Saanich. To do so by helping make healthy, delicious food and meals more accessible has created an even deeper connection.
Thrifty Foods' Tuscany Village has been a steadfast supporter of the Shelbourne Community Kitchen for several years now.
This neighbourhood food centre is dedicated to lowering barriers to healthy food for individuals and families living on low incomes, with programs encompassing food skills workshops, a pantry service and garden initiatives, all aimed at empowering participants and alleviating social isolation.
A significant milestone in this partnership followed the Community Kitchen's recent renovations on their new facility, when the Thrifty Foods team volunteered to assist with the move on top of their generous cash donation to help fill their pantry.
“Supporting the Shelbourne Community Kitchen means a lot to the employees at this store because they get to help hands-on with supporting those in their community," says Thrifty Foods Tuscany Village store manager, Kat Yeomans. "We get to see where our donation goes and help firsthand with seeing the end result."
The renovations included adding a commercial kitchen, so the organization can offer in-person cooking programs and community meals.
The Tuscany Village grocer's financial contributions will also help establish the pantry in the newly renovated kitchen, ensuring Shelbourne Community Kitchen can continue to provide fresh, dignified food assistance to those in need.
“It has been gratifying for the team to have an opportunity to support the cause. When we go over, different members of the store participate, which allows more members of the team to help,” Yeomans says.
And when Thrifty Foods' Tuscany Village team celebrated their own post-renovation reopening, the Community Kitchen team joined in, hosting a barbecue with all proceeds directed to their programs.
Neighbours helping neighbours
Community members have expressed deep appreciation for the Kitchen's services. “When you are struggling and depressed, Shelbourne Community Kitchen is a little ray of sunshine and warmth in a grey world,” reflected one participant.
And from another, “I unpacked my first grocery delivery and was overwhelmed by the beautiful fresh produce.”
For more information on the Shelbourne Community Kitchen's programs or to get involved, visit shelbournecommunitykitchen.ca. Details about Thrifty Foods Tuscany Village can be found at thriftyfoods.com, or visit at 1626 McKenzie Ave. Ave.