Community Food Programs in BC Nourished by Sunnyside Produce
Paul (left) and Corne Moerman are fourth-generation growers at Sunnyside Produce Ltd.
Community meals at The Salvation Army Vancouver Harbour Light are enjoyed by men, women, and children in need of nourishment and food in a caring, safe environment. Offering a range of dishes, seven days a week, guests from all walks of life can feel welcome and connect with staff for information or for other resources.
So, when Sunnyside Produce Ltd, a family-run greenhouse that grows 84 acres of bell peppers, mini peppers and other specialty peppers in Surrey and Delta, B.C., was reviewing their annual giving options, it stemmed an idea.
“Every year we make donations to different organizations, and we know The Salvation Army does a lot of good work locally. Last year, we got to talking about setting up a program where we ship, basically a pallet per week, which we’ve been doing for a few months now.” said Corne Moerman, a fourth-generation grower.
Sunnyside Produce has shipped more than 3,000 kg of bell peppers to Salvation Army ministry units across British Columbia
Since May, Sunnyside Produce has shipped more than 200 kg of bell peppers per week to Salvation Army ministry units across British Columbia, totalling more than 3,000 kg.
According to David Yang, regional food distribution manager, Harbour Light receives 25-33 percent of the donation, which is used to support their correctional community residential facility, shelters, and recovery clients who are working through programs to quit substance use and reintegrate safely into the community. This support also extends to helping the broader community in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside.
A further 50 percent of the peppers are distributed to Army ministry units in Richmond, New Westminster, and North Vancouver, where they assist with food banks, family services, and homeless outreach. And the remaining peppers are distributed to partner organizations. “At Harbour Light, we serve approximately 550-600 meals daily,” said David. “The produce allows our clients to enjoy fresh, nutritious options and experience a variety of flavours, providing them with better choices and a more balanced diet.”
The produce allows The Salvation Army clients to enjoy fresh, nutritious options and providing them with better choices and a more balanced diet
Chefs incorporate the peppers in a variety of dishes such as roasted pepper sides, stir-frys, stews, cold soups such as gazpacho, and their salad bar. “The donation of peppers has been essential in ensuring that those whom we serve not only have access to food but to fresh, flavourful meals that uphold their dignity and well-being,” said David.
For Corne and his family, giving to organizations like The Salvation Army is an outward expression of their faith. “We believe it’s important to help people who are struggling and to donate to people in need,” he said. He noted that organizing a weekly pickup ensures the produce is delivered as fresh as possible and can be used right away.
“For us, donating peppers is a small thing we can do, and we hope it helps fill a need and will go a long way.”
By Melissa Yue Wallace, Harbour Light photos by David Yang
