Nature’s Fare Markets’ Tara Berger (left) and Brandon Molzahn (right), present a cheque to Neil S. Thompson (middle) of the Salvation Army Food Bank in Vernon. (Submitted photo/Nature's Fare)

By Vernon Matters Staff

Nature's Fare

B.C. business and customers support Okanagan food banks

Dec 21, 2022 | 5:30 AM

At a time when so many are struggling to make ends meet, the Nature’s Fare Markets community has risen to the challenge to help feed those in need.

The Vernon-based organic grocery and wellness chain’s seven B.C. stores have collected more than 12,000 pounds of food bundles donated by customers, surpassing the 8,000 pounds of food raised last year.

Second from right, Trina Speiser, director of development, Central Okanagan Food Bank, receives a cheque from Nature’s Fare Markets team members (left to right) Darrell Jones, Suzi Oberkirsch, Andre Desrosiers and Allison Wormell. (Submitted photo)

“We have an amazing community. It’s heartwarming to see our customers’ generosity and to be a part of getting that food to the people who need it most,” said Michael Sherwood, CEO, Nature’s Fare Markets, of the bundles that are available in stores to donate until Dec. 24.

“We know there’s so much pressure on food banks right now as people turn to them for help, so we wanted to support our local food banks as much as possible this holiday season.”

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Nature’s Fare Markets has also donated $60,000 to food banks in the communities it serves.

• $ 10,000 Vernon Salvation Army
• $10,000 Central Okanagan Food Bank
• $10,000 Penticton Salvation Army
• $10,000 Langley Food Bank
• $10,000 Sources Food Bank in White Rock
• $10,000 Kamloops Food Bank

This year, stores got an earlier start to setting out the prepared food bundles of everything from peanut butter and jam, to baby care and breakfast essentials. So far, customers across B.C. stores have picked up and donated more than $ 25,000 worth of food.

Through the 3% Club, non-profit groups such as daycares, school parent councils and extracurricular activity groups generated $54,000 by collecting their receipts and getting a cheque for 3 per cent of their pre-tax total as a tax-free donation.

“These are often very small and very hard-working local non-profits doing the important and often invisible work that improves everyday living for young families, so it’s a joy for us to help give these clubs a hand up and thank them for supporting our stores,” said Sherwood.

Organic BC is receiving $5,000. The certifying body of organic food in B.C., Organic BC supports producers making the transition to become certified organic growers and advocates for a resilient organic sector in B.C.

“Environment and sustainability is so important to the Nature’s Fare Markets community,” Sherwood said. “As is wellness and food security, so during these tough times, we’re proud to be a part of supporting local business in local communities.”

Nature’s Fare has stores in Vernon, Kelowna, West Kelowna, Penticton, Kamloops, Langley and White Rock.

The company is owned by the Jim Pattison Group, same ownership as Vernon Matters.