Since 2000, LUSH Valley Food Action Society has been working to support community wellbeing in the Comox Valley through nourishing, local food. Over the past 25 years, the organization has grown from a small grassroots group of community volunteers to a 20+ person team touching the lives of nearly 5,000 people in the community each month.
While celebrating this milestone birthday and incredible growth, the organization continues to grapple with higher-than-ever rates of food insecurity and massive barriers for local farmers and growers. The need for LUSH鈥檚 programs is greater than ever, but rising costs and a decrease in available grant funding are creating a squeeze.
The generosity of the Comox Valley community has had a big hand in the growth of the organization, and this season LUSH has set a bold fundraising goal: raise $25,000 in total donations by June 30 and increase recurring, monthly donations to $2,500.
A LUSH Valley supporter says, 鈥淧roviding financial support to LUSH Valley is one of the ways in which I am able to support my local community in a way that matches my values.鈥�
Local entrepreneur Grant Powers of Coastwood Private Wealth agrees, and has offered to double every donation, up to $5,000, in May and June to kick-start LUSH Valley鈥檚 spring fundraising drive. Join Powers and many others in growing a strong, resilient community and celebrating local food by supporting LUSH Valley: visit lushvalley.org/donate to set up a monthly donation today.
Help LUSH Valley Share the Harvest for another 25 years! Your support is crucial. Every dollar contributed is more than just a donation; it鈥檚 a seed that will grow into nourishment, support, and connection. A monthly donation of just $25 will support LUSH to provide nourishing meals to a senior for a full month.
鈥淲ith enthusiasm, creativity, and integrity, LUSH Valley bridges the gap between local food needs and the supply of fresh, locally-grown foods. A local organization, run by and for local people, it is a major contributor in making the Comox Valley such a wonderful community,鈥� says a LUSH Valley supporter.
LUSH stands for Let Us Share the Harvest, and the non-profit organization does just that by rescuing, gleaning and purchasing local fruit and vegetables and distributing the bounty to individuals and families across the Comox Valley through several community food access and education programs. In 2024, over 100,000 pounds of produce came through the LUSH Valley warehouse! This included $192,300 worth of food purchased from local farmers and over 20,000 pounds of fruit picked from backyard trees across the Valley, harvested with the help of over 250 volunteers. The dollars donated to LUSH Valley stay in the Comox Valley, supporting local farmers and strengthening the local food system while stimulating a resilient local economy and ensuring the community has access to nourishing food, no matter what the future may bring.
There are many ways to support LUSH Valley: individuals can set up a monthly donation through CanadaHelps, make a one-time donation, or spearhead a community-led fundraising event such as a market, concert, trivia night or fun run. Organizations may choose to become sponsors, donate portions of sales for a particular item, make a donation or collect donations from staff or customers. Visit lushvalley.org/donate to learn more or make a donation today.
