Nourish Cowichan
Nourish Cowichan is devoted to nourishing and supporting youth in the Cowichan Valley School District, determined to fight child hunger. Striving to change the high rates of child poverty, Nourish Cowichan firmly believes that every child deserves access to nutritious food.
Nourish Cowichan: Our Mission – Food Equity for All Children
Nourish Cowichan’s unwavering commitment is to ensure that all students have access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food regardless of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or geographic location.
History
Beginning in October 2016 as a pilot project by introducing breakfast to a single school, the transformative effects were evident as teachers and aides observed immediate improvements in the students.
To support the escalating demand from neighbouring schools, a partnership with the SD79 was formed and a space to build a new kitchen was secured in late June 2017. After extensive renovations of a former metal shop into a food preparation facility, Nourish Cowichan moved into the new kitchen in 2019.
With the closure of every school during the 2020 Covid pandemic, Nourish Cowichan pivoted, more than tripling its reach. With the quick response and support of Cowichan Valley School District 79, 4 other kitchens were opened, immediately providing hampers to food-insecure students and their families.
Nourish Cowichan Partners with Pacific Rim School District
Nourish Cowichan is excited to partner with the Pacific Rim School District (SD70) to launch a local meal program this school year, aimed at ensuring every student has equitable access to nutritious food for better learning and success.
With the dedication of local staff, volunteers, and partners, Nourish Cowichan committed to providing daily nutritious lunches and snacks, funded by the Ministry of Education and local donations, to ensure no child goes hungry.
Program Highlights
Daily Nutritious Meals:
Funded by the Ministry of Education and generous local donations, our program will provide students with nutritious lunches and snacks every day throughout the school year.
Accessibility for Families:
Families can easily access this new meal program through the School District, ensuring that no child goes hungry.
As with all our Charities of the Month, proceeds from the sale of tasters at the Growler Bar, as well as the donations we collect, will be given to this awesome and important group of folks.