The Mustard Seed Street Church

The Mustard Seed Street Church Nurturing Faith, Hope & Love

Food Bank | Food Rescue | Family Support | Hospitality | Hope Farm The Mustard Seed was an answer to this question.

Over 35 years ago, a community of people began asking questions about how to best reach our city’s local poor. Wanting to meet the deepest needs of mankind, our founding members desired to respond to Jesus’ commands to feed the hungry and clothe the poor. Established in 1975, The Mustard Seed began as a small Street Church and outreach ministry in Victoria’s urban core. Thirty-five years ago, The

Mustard Seed was operating out of a prayer closet tucked away on Government Street. The need of our under-privileged brothers and sisters was so great that we soon moved to a larger building on Pandora. But our facilities and ministries have expanded considerably since 1975. Moving to Queens Avenue in 1995, our ministry has significantly evolved since those initial years. The Mustard Seed has expanded to become a multi-purpose agency that meets the needs of the whole person living in poverty. Today the Mustard Seed is comprised of a vibrant Street Church, an active Food Bank, and a number of other dynamic ministries. We provide advocacy services, counseling, nursing services, a clothing bank, a drop-in center, a prison ministry, and more. We recently planted another seed of hope in the Cowichan Valley. Located 50 minutes north of Victoria, our Hope Farm Healing Center is a recovery center for former addicts. Expanding 32-acres, Hope Farm connects recovering addicts with the land while offering healing counseling services. We provide training and work experience to benefit our participants and the surrounding Cowichan community. Future Dreams
We recognize that poverty is a draining cycle. We don’t want to just offer hand-outs to our community. We want to offer a hand up. In everything we do, our staff and volunteers strive to break down social boundaries and meet the physical, spiritual, social, and relational needs of the whole person. Our dream is to work together as a community to lead our clients out of poverty. We desire to empower and educate our clients in order to offer these valued community members a way out of the cycle. We long to offer more expansive classes on everything from nutrition, budgeting, cooking, and employable skill training. We dream of larger facilities where we might host classes, child-care, temporary housing, and more. We invite you to dream big with us as we plan carefully to meet these goals. Together we can break the cycle of poverty in Greater Victoria.

: Meet Noel!For over seven years, Noel has been a steady rhythm of service in our Food Bank Market. “After retirement, ...
05/27/2026

: Meet Noel!
For over seven years, Noel has been a steady rhythm of service in our Food Bank Market. “After retirement, I was trying to find some way to help the community,” he shares.

Noel volunteers four days a week, Monday through Thursday, doing the essential, often unseen work of breaking down bulk donations into smaller packages for families and individual distribution. He works mostly alone in the breakdown room, carefully repackaging rice, sugar, flour, coffee, tea, pet food, and produce. “It’s constant work all the time,” he says. “I enjoy it. At the end of the day, seeing people walk out with boxes filled with the things I packed makes me proud.”

Over the years, Noel has also helped inspect donations before they reach the shelves. “Sometimes I’ll find cans that are years old,” he says. “Just a few days ago, I found something dated 2019. That’s how we stop bad stuff from going out to the community. We check everything carefully.”

What affects Noel most is seeing families struggle. “Sometimes children come in barefoot, or their clothes are dirty because families can’t afford laundry,” he shares. “That makes me sad, and that’s one of the reasons I stay.” At the same time, he values the atmosphere at The Mustard Seed. “Everybody is so nice here. People are friendly. Everybody just works along the best they can and contributes the way they can.”

Noel’s message to the community is simple: donate, donate, donate! “We really need donations. Food, money, clothing… anything that’s been sitting on your shelf for a few weeks, send it to us. The best-before date is probably still very valid.” He especially hopes to see more donations from grocery stores. “Sometimes we’re very short, especially on fruits and vegetables. More donations mean we can help more families.”

Thank you, Noel, for your years of faithful service, quiet dedication, and for helping ensure good food reaches the people who need it most.

: Meet Noah! Noah first came to The Mustard Seed earlier this year when he needed volunteer hours for his college studi...
05/20/2026

: Meet Noah!
Noah first came to The Mustard Seed earlier this year when he needed volunteer hours for his college studies—Criminal Justice at Camosun. But what started as a school placement quickly became something more. “This seemed like a fun, nice place to be,” he says. “A good place helping people.”

Now, you’ll find Noah every Thursday in our Clothing Room, helping receive donations, sort clothing, and help people find what they need. “I meet lots of nice people, and it feels good to help people.”

Some of Noah’s most meaningful moments happen on cold days. “When it’s cold, and I can get somebody a jacket… and they say thank you,” he shares. “That just feels good.” Seeing the bigger picture has made an impact too. “Every day, I see people getting what they need. I see the community being helped. That makes me proud.”

Volunteering here has changed how Noah sees the street community. “When you just drive by, you don’t really think about it as much,” he reflects. “But when you’re interacting with people, talking to them… you meet them more as a person. It changes how you see things.” That perspective has stayed with him. “I always try to be as kind to people as I can. You never know what somebody’s going through. So when I walk by somebody on the street, I’ll say a little ‘hi’ and give them a smile.”

That experience will stay with him as he pursues his future career. “A lot of people from my program go into policing,” he says. “Having these positive interactions now helps me go in with an open mind and a better understanding.”

Noah also wants people to know one important thing about The Mustard Seed: “It’s not just for people on the street. It’s for everybody. You don’t need to be homeless to come get a lunch here.”

He hopes The Seed can continue getting support and keep helping people.

Thank you, Noah, for bringing an open mind, a servant’s heart, and a willingness to see people for who they are.

05/15/2026

At The Mustard Seed Food Bank, dignity starts with choice. Our choice-based market gives individuals and families the freedom to choose the food that fits their needs, cultures, and dietary preferences.

If you need food today, you are welcome here.
📍 625 Queens Ave, Victoria, BC
There is no judgment—only care, community, and support.

And if you’re able to help, your generosity keeps our shelves stocked and our community nourished. Donate today: mustardseed.ca/donate

: Meet Leslie! When Leslie retired, she knew she wanted to give back. But finding a volunteer placement during COVID wa...
05/13/2026

: Meet Leslie!
When Leslie retired, she knew she wanted to give back. But finding a volunteer placement during COVID wasn’t easy. Through a former coworker who had been volunteering at The Mustard Seed, she connected with us, and as Leslie puts it, “The rest is history.”

Since 2021, Leslie has been a dedicated volunteer on our produce sorting team, helping sort rescued fruits and vegetables so good food can reach people instead of landfills. Every shift, she helps sort produce into three categories—food for the community, food for the kitchen, and food for compost. It’s hands-on work, and sometimes not glamorous. “I really love it,” she says. “Sometimes, some of the food is really gross! But I love the possibility of saving food and helping people access it. I think that’s really, really important.”

“One thing I’ve never gotten used to is the enormous waste of food,” Leslie says. “It’s overwhelming to me. Shocking!” That’s exactly why she keeps coming back. “Every time I’m here, I’m proud to help save some of this food from being wasted,” she says. “We’re actually doing something valuable. It’s not like we’re just moving stuff from one place to another.”

For Leslie, one of the best parts of volunteering is the people she works alongside. “As a retired person, it’s easy to just be around people who are all like you,” she reflects. “So I love the fact that there are different people here—different ages, different backgrounds, new Canadians, people with different life experiences.” She smiles. “We even share food knowledge with each other. Someone will know exactly what something is and how to cook it.”

“People say things like, ‘I was embarrassed to go to a food bank. I felt like people would judge me.’” Leslie wants people to put those fears to rest. “For all the people here, and the people I’ve worked with, we want you to eat. We really, really, really want you to eat. We want everyone to eat every day.”

Thank you, Leslie, for turning your shock at food waste into action, and for helping good food find its way to the people who need it most.

05/08/2026

We’re honored to be part of WILD ART FOR THE BIG OF HEART, an inspiring community art exhibition by Tanya Bub this May!

Tanya has created 10 sculptures inspired by 10 local charities, including a special angel sculpture inspired by The Mustard Seed.

Come experience art with purpose, and direct 25% of the purchase price to the charity of your choice.

📅 May 12–31, 2026
📍 Gage Gallery Arts Collective
🎉 Free Opening Reception: May 14 | 5–8 PM

We’d love to see you there! 💛

: Meet Patrick! Patrick has spent his life helping people. Born and raised in Hong Kong, he built a career as a physiot...
05/06/2026

: Meet Patrick!
Patrick has spent his life helping people. Born and raised in Hong Kong, he built a career as a physiotherapist for more than 30 years, serving patients in Edmonton, Vancouver and beyond. After retiring, Patrick and his wife moved to Victoria in 2025, where they saw a familiar need right outside their door. “Now I’m living in downtown Victoria, I see so many people who need help,” he shares. “Coming from the medical field, helping people is our basic instinct and I wanted to give back to the community.”

Last fall, Patrick began volunteering at our Food Bank Market. Most days, you’ll find him working behind the scenes alongside our team. “My main job is getting the Market organized - stocking shelves, cleaning, moving items, and helping in the Market,” he explains.

“I like my volunteer work,” he says simply. “It gives me a sense of community working alongside like-minded people and everybody there is fun and friendly. It is very gratifying to know that our effort is making a difference and helping people put food on the table.”

“Sometimes I also help in the ‘U’ area, delivering items to the community members. It is wonderful to get positive feedback and appreciation directly from them.” That appreciation has meant a lot to him. “It not only makes me feel proud,” he says, “but also gives me a sense of belonging to the community. It feels good to help people.”

He and his wife have also jumped into seasonal volunteering, from Christmas Hampers to the Christmas Parade and gift wrapping at Hillside Mall. “All these experiences are exceptionally rewarding,” he reflects.

His message to anyone who may need support is simple and heartfelt: “If you need help, just come. You don’t need to feel shameful or embarrassed about asking for help. We are always here for anyone who’s in need”

Looking ahead, Patrick hopes The Mustard Seed will continue to serve the community for many years to come and “continue to provide enriching opportunities for us to volunteer.”

Thank you, Patrick, for bringing your servant’s heart, your life experience, and your quiet dedication to our community.

At The Mustard Seed, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Their compassion, reliability, and teamwork streng...
04/29/2026

At The Mustard Seed, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Their compassion, reliability, and teamwork strengthen our programs and help create a caring community for those we serve.

We’re proud to introduce our new bi-monthly recognition initiative: Hearts of the Community. Every two months, department supervisors will select outstanding volunteers who consistently demonstrate dedication, kindness, and a team-first spirit.

We are honoured to celebrate our first recipients:

💛 Renate Raudaschl & Detlev Schwartz – Food Security Distribution Centre
For years, Renate and Detlev have been humble food rescue champions. During COVID, they faithfully showed up Monday to Friday, week after week, as our produce sorting team. Their dedication, humour, and efficiency have made them an essential part of our Food Rescue Program. They support agency partners, train new volunteers, and help ensure rescued food reaches those who need it most.

💛 Barb Jones – Hospitality Centre
Barb is recognized for her years of compassionate service. She volunteers twice a week, one day in the kitchen and one day offering foot care to community members. She brings warmth, kindness, and encouragement to everyone she meets. Staff describe her as funny, dependable, generous, brave, compassionate, and “the most lovely person ever.”

💛 Sam Korberg – Guest Services
Sam volunteers three days a week and makes a huge difference in our clients' lives through her steady presence, kindness, and compassion. Her dedication helps create a welcoming and supportive environment for our guests.

💛 Julie Murtha – Food Bank
Julie is a loyal long-term volunteer who brings dedication, hard work, and thoughtful ideas that have helped improve our daily operations. She volunteers twice a week and is always willing to help wherever needed. We are so grateful for her commitment and care.

💛 Tony Hopkins – Kitchen
Tony is always working hard to the point of sweating. He moves with clear purpose and passion for helping in any way he can. His commitment to serving others and supporting the team is deeply appreciated.

To all of our volunteers: thank you for making The Mustard Seed stronger every day.

04/27/2026

The Royal Victoria Marathon is coming up this Thanksgiving weekend, and we’re excited to share that The Mustard Seed is a charity partner this year!

You can support our community by walking, jogging, or running any race distance — 1K Kids Run, 5K, 8K, Half Marathon, or the full Marathon. Our team will be walking, jogging, and running the 8K together, and we would love to have you join us!

Join our team, RUN for The Mustard Seed, via the link below.
https://raceroster.com/events/2026/111326/2026-royal-victoria-marathon/pledge/team/180

It’s a fun and meaningful way to stay active, connect with others, and make a real difference in our community. Every step helps support food, hope, and care for those who need it most. We’d love to have you with us!

04/24/2026

We had a wonderful time celebrating the incredible volunteers who make The Mustard Seed such a caring and vibrant community. Yesterday, we gathered with staff, volunteers, and guest speaker Lisa Mort-Purland (Volunteer Victoria) to recognize the compassion, dedication, and impact of those who give so generously of their time.

Thank you to all of our volunteers! Your kindness and generosity strengthen our community every single day. You are truly the heart of The Mustard Seed.

Earth Day is every day at The Mustard Seed, as we divert 10,000 pounds of surplus food, otherwise destined for the landf...
04/22/2026

Earth Day is every day at The Mustard Seed, as we divert 10,000 pounds of surplus food, otherwise destined for the landfill, to our community.

In 2025, we also composted 244,135 pounds of inedible food and redirected 131,192 pounds to local farmers, supporting a more sustainable and resilient food system.

Every pound of food we rescue means less waste, fewer emissions, and more meals for people who need them.

Address

625 Queens Avenue
Victoria, BC
V8T 1L9

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4am
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

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