It’s been about two years since LUSH Valley found its permanent home, and the organization is putting down its roots with a completed kitchen.
In October of 2021, the organization that aims to increase local food system skills, knowledge and access to food took possession of its permanent home at 2342 Rosewall Crescent in Tin Town - a first for the non-profit.
For more than 20 years, LUSH Valley has been a catalyst for food-related projects and an advocate for community food security. The organization is devoted to helping the Comox Valley community gain food-systems tools, engage in just and resilient local food systems, and receive equitable access to nourishing food
Since getting their permanent home, staff have worked towards creating their commercial kitchen, which will be used by their chef Taylore Darnel to expand their hot meal program, expand their mid-week catering services and continue to aggregate and process local food, explained Alison Peill, communications and administrative manager with LUSH.
Previously, the organization used the Farmer’s Kitchen food truck - which it stills has for catering and events - and the addition of a kitchen also allows for collaboration with North Island College for their Food Prep and Mobile Kitchen Training program.
“We have been thrilled to welcome a team of keen students to the LUSH Valley kitchen to take part in this immersive [NIC] program. Students have utilized the abundance of local food available at LUSH headquarters to create a variety of menus suitable for restaurant, food truck, catering or other forms of food service,” said Maurita Prato, executive director.
James McKerricher, local food access manager at LUSH said at harvest time, the kitchen is a tool to process the abundance of food growing locally and distribute it to the community through various programs and events.
“The major event we’re planning for now is our Farm to Table fundraiser on Sept. 17 where the menu will feature local ingredients served in a number of canapés and dishes, plus locally-inspired cocktails and mocktails.”
The goal of the fundraiser is to raise funds to support community programming in partnership with a number of local organizations, Peill added.
The event is set to take place at Amara Farm, and tickets are available online at bit.ly/44TptiV