Fresh from the Heart
Sharing Fresh Fruit & Produce
Our “Fresh from the Heart” program encourages customers to purchase fresh food – a little extra fruit, vegetables, meat, milk or eggs locally, for donation to the Comox Valley Food Bank. We also encourage those with vegetable gardens to “Grow a Row” for the food bank.
“Fresh from the Heart” helps increase fresh food donations to the Food Bank so that all Comox Valley residents, regardless of income, have access to fresh food.
Because donation bins at local grocery stores are picked up weekly only, we ask that fresh food donations are dropped off directly to the Food Bank during listed business hours.
Based on Canada’s Food Guide, each hamper contains a 3-5 day supply for each person in the household. Fresh food is essential in meeting the nutritional needs of our clients given that approximately 40% are children.
Cash donations are also gratefully received and assist us in purchasing in bulk those items which are considered luxuries: peanut butter, soap, tea, coffee, sugar, jams, condiments and laundry products. Cash donors are issued a tax receipt.
Why Fresh Matters
A diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent certain types of cancer, lower risk of eye and digestive problems, and have a positive effect upon blood sugar, which can help keep appetite in check. Eating non-starchy vegetables and fruits like apples, pears, and green leafy vegetables may even promote weight loss. Their low glycemic loads prevent blood sugar spikes that can increase hunger.
At least nine different families of fruits and vegetables exist, each with potentially hundreds of different plant compounds that are beneficial to health. Eat a variety of types and colors of produce in order to give your body the mix of nutrients it needs. This not only ensures a greater diversity of beneficial plant chemicals but also creates eye-appealing meals.
Where to find fresh fruits & vegetables locally
