Agassiz-Harrison Food Coalition
Inspired by Earthwise Society’s work with the Delta Food Coalition, the Agassiz-Harrison Food Coalition (AHFC) was formed in 2023, to bring together a network of community groups to collaborate on addressing food security issues for Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs. Even though we are rural agricultural communities, year round access to fresh food is limited. With rising costs, more people than ever are food insecure. The Covid-19 pandemic and the floods of 2021 highlighted the need for innovative solutions for long term food security. By working together, the AHFC will be able to leverage community resources and coordinate food security initiatives to address these issues. The Coalition will share information on available programs and needs, identify available resources, and make connections between agencies, resources, and people in need.
Community Growing and Sharing Farm
The Community Growing and Sharing Farm is an innovative pilot project that will give locals the opportunity to grow their own food and share the excess with others. The new farm, set on half an acre of land at Earthwise Agassiz, is the first major initiative to be supported by the AHFC.
Education will play a pivotal role in this initiative and Earthwise Society will be offering training and workshops on topics such as food cultivation, season extension strategies, food preservation, and waste reduction. The project will also implement methods to extend the harvest season into winter to increase the availability of fresh local produce year round. By empowering residents with essential skills, the project aims to actively engage and equip the community with the knowledge to help shape a more sustainable food system! The work of our community farmers directly supports Earthwise Society’s mission to provide fresh, locally grown produce to those in need. Our community based team works together to create a healthier, more resilient local food system.
This project was made possible through the Community Sustainability and Resilience Fund (CSRF) grant, funded by the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund and administered by United Way British Columbia.
Community Orchard
The Community Orchard was created in 2023 in partnership with Agassiz-Harrison Community Services, generously supported by funding from the BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. The orchard features 200 heritage fruit trees, tended by volunteers, that will yield fruit harvests for our community year round. The orchard offers opportunities for people to learn about growing fruit and share the harvest with others through Agassiz Harrison Community Services.
Get Involved!
Our farm team is busy planning our crops for next season’s harvest, and we’re reaching out to invite members of our community to be part of this exciting project. If you are interested in growing food, if you have skills and interests to share, or if you would like to learn, we’d love to hear from you. Please join us in laying the groundwork for growth!
Agassiz Harvest Box Program
Currently in the planning stage, the Harvest Box Program program will connect Agassiz families and individuals with fresh food by distributing weekly boxes of fresh, locally grown produce through AHFC partner agencies. Food will be donated by local growers, including the Earthwise Agassiz Community Farm, other farmers, and grocery stores. Keep watching for updates on this important program!
Email community@earthwisesociety.bc.ca for more information about the Community Farm or any of our food security programs