Record harvest at Helen’s Acres supports community food security

Record-breaking harvest brings hope

This year, Helen’s Acres in Kelowna, B.C., has achieved a remarkable milestone with a record-breaking harvest of nearly 100,000 pounds of fresh produce. This achievement marks a significant increase of 30% compared to last year, providing a vital resource for those in need within the community. Scott Cochrane, executive director of the Trinity Legacy Foundation, emphasized the importance of this yield, stating, “Almost 100,000 pounds of fresh produce was produced, and that was about 30 percent over the year before and up another 20,000 pounds from the year before that.” This impressive output comes at a crucial time when many families are struggling with rising grocery prices.

Community collaboration for food security

Helen’s Acres operates as a working farm, supported by a dedicated team of paid employees and a network of community volunteers. The farm collaborates closely with various local organizations to ensure that the produce grown meets the needs of those facing food insecurity. Each year, a selection of crops is carefully planned to maximize the impact on the community. Jennifer Henson, an officer with the Salvation Army, noted, “The need just keeps increasing; people are trying to find new ways to stretch their dollar, and for many, it’s stretched as far as it can.” This collaboration is essential in addressing the growing demand for affordable, nutritious food.

Ensuring access to healthy food

Since its inception in 2016, Helen’s Acres has been committed to providing fresh produce to those in need. The farm distributes its bounty through a network of partners, including the Central Okanagan Food Bank, Kelowna Gospel Mission, and various shelters. Katelin Mitchell from KCR Community Resources highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “When you have to make a choice between what you’re purchasing, sometimes those expensive fruits and vegetables are not something that you have the options to choose, so this is a way to make sure people get healthy foods.” The record yield not only alleviates immediate food insecurity but also promotes long-term health and well-being within the community.