Empowering Communities Through Food Access
Building Stronger Communities with Local Food and Education
Nourish North Network – A’ek̓aḵilax̱a̱n’s Gukwa̲lu’t is a regional community food hub funded by the United Way BC and Island Health. We are a North Island-rooted network that has evolved to support organizations providing dignified access to food for community members, uplifting Indigenous food sovereignty, and improving regional collaboration for a sustainable future.
Nourish North Network
A’ek̓aḵilax̱a̱n’s Gukwa̲lu’t
Listen to our elders pronouncing the Kwakwala name of our organization below.
Our Mission
Nourish North Network is committed to fostering food security, promoting Indigenous food sovereignty, and creating a sustainable future for North Island communities. Read more about our mission and vision for the region by clicking the button below.
North Island Food Access Map
Need help finding the nearest location to access free food? Click the button below to view our Food Access Map.
Definitions
When talking about ‘food security’ and ‘food sovereignty,’ it’s important to know what those two terms mean to understand the importance of our mission.
Food Sovereignty
Food sovereignty means that people and communities have the power to decide how their food is grown, produced, and shared — in ways that respect their culture, environment, and local needs. It’s not just about having enough food; it’s about having control over the food system, including land, seeds, and farming practices, instead of those decisions being made mainly by large companies or outside governments.
This idea is especially important for low-income, rural, and Indigenous communities, because it focuses on letting local people shape food systems that work for them long-term.
Food Security
Food security means trying to assure that people always have reliable access to enough safe, healthy, and nutritious food to live an active and healthy life — not just today, but consistently over time. When someone is food secure, they can get the food they need without having to skip meals, increase financial stress, buy only low-quality food, or choose between food and other basic needs like rent or heat.
Tips & Tricks
Looking for information on accessing and growing your own food?
Check out our resources here.
Local Stories
Interested in learning more about your region and the people in it? We share stories and articles from our region on our blog! Check out our latest posts below:
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Spring has arrived on the North Island!
Salmonberry’s magenta flower buds, red flowering currant’s hopeful blooms, and the powerful Stinging Nettle. Of course, we cannot forget to mention one of the truest signs of Spring (in the plant world),…
Composting Business
Campaign
We are pursuing the creation of a Kwakiutl-
owned composting facility capable of
processing Residential and Industrial,
Commercial and Institutional (ICI) organic waste. Learn more about our business campaign through the link below!
