Nourish Food Security Co-op was founded on the understanding that two pressing issues—food insecurity and food waste—are often interconnected. Food insecurity affects a wide range of individuals and families in BC, leaving many without consistent access to affordable, nutritious food. Meanwhile, local farmers face challenges selling produce that may not meet the cosmetic standards of traditional grocery stores, resulting in surplus produce going to waste. Nourish seeks to provide a solution that addresses both issues in a sustainable, community-centered way.
Nourish will operate a sustainable business model focusing on the following four pillars:
- Packaged Meals: Nourish will create packaged meals for a diverse range of markets in British Columbia, including at-risk communities and government-funded programs, as well as targeted retail channels which will include their own retail outlets.
- Retail Consumable Products: Alongside its meal production, Nourish will develop and sell retail consumable products, offering additional value and revenue streams for the business.
- Market for Farmers’ Cull and Surplus Produce: Nourish will support local farmers by creating a market economy for cull and surplus produce. A portion of this produce surplus will be used in meal preparation, while also offering farmers opportunities for processing and storing their excess harvests.
- Food Safety and Preparation Education: Nourish will promote food safety and culinary skills by offering education programs aimed at teaching individuals and communities how to safely prepare and handle food, enhancing both nutritional knowledge and food security.