Nanaimo Foodshare Society Update

Nanaimo Foodshare Society secures Harewood property for food security project.

Nanaimo, BC - October 31, 2019 – Nanaimo Foodshare Society will continue to operate its educational and job-skills training programs at the Five Acre Farm property in Harewood.

Following the sale and the transfer of title to the City on September 30, Nanaimo Foodshare Society and the City of Nanaimo signed a Memoranda of Understanding which allows the non-profit to continue farming while community consultation is undertaken to determine the long-range vision for the farm.

“We are so grateful to the community for their support and engagement around the Five Acre Farm property,” says Nanaimo Foodshare Society Executive Director Jen Cody. “The city purchase will enable our organization to focus on programming and infrastructure on the farm in our fundraising efforts.”

The documentary film, ‘Five Acres’ -- produced by Paul Manly and co-directed by Paul Manly and Laurie MacMillan -- premiered in July and was used as a fundraiser. All funds raised at the premiere have been placed in trust.  

“We will be participating in community consultation over the next two years to determine the best options for the funds in support of this property being transformed into an urban farm/park,” Cody says. “In the meantime, we will continue to use the site to grow food for our Good Food Box program, for local farmer’s markets including that at Vancouver Island University, and for employment and job-skills training.” 

The purchase of the Five Acre Farm by the City of Nanaimo and the ongoing partnership with Nanaimo Foodshare Society provides an excellent opportunity to highlight the importance of local food, environmental sustainability, historical preservation, and community involvement, all on a single site. Members of the community are invited to sign up for updates on the Nanaimo Foodshare Society website, so they can stay abreast of future engagement and consultation opportunities.