Loaves & Fishes Community Food Bank

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Loaves & Fishes Community Food Bank

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We believe all people should have access to an abundance of healthy and nutritious food.

11/02/2026

A friendly reminder to our community: Food support is for anyone who needs it 💛

At Loaves & Fishes, we believe that everyone deserves good food, regardless of their circumstances. This means that there are no requirements or criteria for our clients. If you say that you need food support, we believe you and we’re here to help.

To lean more about Loaves & Fishes resources and ways to get food, visit vifoodbank.org

10/30/2026

A new chapter for Loaves & Fishes has officially begun!

Yesterday, we celebrated the grand opening of the Tom Harris Regional Food Centre, our new 24,000-square-foot facility in Nanaimo!

With expanded storage and distribution capabilities, we're now better equipped to recover more good food and get it to more people across Vancouver Island and the BC coast.

This milestone represents years of planning, collaboration and community support, and the celebrations aren't over yet! We'll be sharing more details about an upcoming events such as a community open house and the Nanaimo Chamber Business After Business event soon.

Read the full announcement through the media release on our website:

In the News It has been a busy Fall for Loaves & Fishes. You can read what we have been up to in the Fall NewsletterNewsletter Tom Harris Regional Food Centre officially opened in Nanaimo October 29thNews Release & Ribbon Cutting Photo, Tony Harris Photo New Free Food Market Opens in Port Alberni O....

10/28/2026

Yesterday our Director of Philanthropy, Melissa Lavoie, spoke to a House of Commons committee in Ottawa (by video) about food prices and what they look like from here on the Island.

She shared what our teams see every day: neighbours who were doing fine until one thing went wrong, groceries that cost more because nearly everything arrives by ferry, and how much a week of food can matter when someone is trying to cover rent or keep their car on the road for work.

She also talked about how we recover surplus food from more than 40 grocery stores and suppliers and get it to our 20 Free Food Markets and more than 100 partner non-profits, from Victoria to Haida Gwaii.

Thank you to MP Tamara Kronis for sharing the video, and to the committee members from all parties for listening and asking such thoughtful questions. And thank you to all of you. None of this work happens without our community behind us. 💛

10/28/2026

4,624 individuals accessed our Free Food Markets last month, and we’re grateful to be a resource for so many people across the Island.

Food insecurity can affect anyone, and needing support is nothing to be ashamed of. Our free food markets are built around the simple belief that everyone deserves access to good food, regardless of their circumstances.

There’s no need to prove why you need support. If food would make a difference for you or your household, you’re welcome at our markets 💛

10/26/2026

Some foods might be nearing the end of their freshness, but that doesn't always mean they're past the point of being enjoyed 🍞🍓

Freezing can give many everyday foods a little more time, allowing you to save fresh produce, leftovers and other ingredients for when you're ready to use them. The key is to freeze food while it’s still safe to eat!

10/21/2026

Our Empties 4 Food crew, hard at work! ♻️

A big thank you to the wonderful volunteers from the Nanaimo Association for Community Living, who generously give their time on a regular basis to help keep this program running.

We appreciate their hard work and continued commitment to supporting our community.

10/20/2026

Thank
You ❤️. We are deeply grateful for
Your generosity ❤️

❤️ TOGETHER, WE MADE A DIFFERENCE! What an incredible weekend! 🥞 Our Country Grocer Charity Breakfast at our Chase River and Bowen Road Cafés raised an amazing $7,256 in support of Loaves & Fishes Food Bank! A huge thank you to everyone who came out for breakfast, purchased a pre-packed food donation bag, and helped make this event such a success. We’re also so grateful to our amazing suppliers for their generosity and support! It’s wonderful to see our community come together to support such an important cause. Thank you for being part of it and helping us give back to our Island community!

10/17/2026

An amazing fundraiser held by Nanaimo Mitsubishi and really if there was an award for most enthusiasm and energy they would win, no contest!! Thank you for your incredible generosity❤️.

Address

1861 E. Wellington Road
Nanaimo, BC
V9S5X2

Telephone

+12507548347

Website

http://www.ViLoavesAndFishes.org/

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