Tag Archives: Food Security on Cortes

Business, Community

The Outdoor Season begins at Mansons Friday Market

Mansons Friday Market’s ‘Outdoor Season’ officially started on May 19.  

“I think it’s great. It’s a beautiful sunny day and long weekend and, but still mostly locals, which is really nice to have their support,” said Sara Stewart, of Reef Point Farms.

CC: Can I ask, where do you do most of your business? 

“I have a lot of different venues. There’s the farmer’s market. I also have the farm stand.  I sell to the co-op and to Hollyhock and the Gorge Store when it’s in the middle of the summer,” she replied.

Continue reading The Outdoor Season begins at Mansons Friday Market →
Food Security

Cortes Island Food Bank sees clients double, issues spring appeal for donations

By Greg Osoba, CKTZ News, through an LJI grant from Canada-info.ca

The Cortes Island Food Bank has seen a doubling in the number of regular clients since last year, according to food bank treasurer Filipe Figueira. He says the total now stands at about 20 individuals, compared with seven to 10 last year.

Continue reading Cortes Island Food Bank sees clients double, issues spring appeal for donations →
Food Security

The Cortes and Quadra Island Food Banks in a time of rising prices and declining real wages

Amanda Smith, of the Quadra Island Food Bank emailed, “Obviously our buying power has diminished across the board due to inflationary pressures. Increases for fruits and vegetables and eggs have been most disturbing. Our vegetable choices are now largely governed by price. 2022 saw a 35% increase over 2021 for the number of hampers distributed. The number of hampers distributed so far in 2023 is markedly higher than 2022 and there is no relief in sight. Every distribution this year has registered new first-time users.”

Samantha Statton, President of the Cortes Island Food Bank, reported a rise of about 15%. 

Continue reading The Cortes and Quadra Island Food Banks in a time of rising prices and declining real wages →
Food Security

Local food bank joins Food Banks BC, gains access to greater funding, resources

By Greg Osoba, CKTZ News, through an LJI grant from Canada-info.ca

The Cortes Island Food Bank joined Food Banks BC on Oct. 7 and has just launched its own website.

Coordinator Filipe Figueira says joining the bigger provincial network provides more resources and funding possibilities.

Continue reading Local food bank joins Food Banks BC, gains access to greater funding, resources →
Food Security

134 year old Sunny Brae Farm had strong growing season, but struggled to find enough help


By Greg Osoba, CKTZ News, through an LJI grant from Canada-info.ca

The historic Sunny Brae Farm had one of its best growing seasons to date, but the local farm faced challenges with help during the harvest.

Sunny Brae Farm was founded in 1888 by Scotsman John Manson, one of the first Europeans to settle on Cortes Island. The farm has remained in the Manson family through the generations and is now owned and operated by John Manson’s grandson, Mike Manson.

Mike Manson also describes his family and Cortes Island history in: The Manson Family: One of Cortes Island’s First Settler Families and How People’s Attitudes Towards Nature Changed

Continue reading 134 year old Sunny Brae Farm had strong growing season, but struggled to find enough help →