Employees get to work planting vegetables in McIntyre Vineyard as part of Constellation Brand’s new program called “Nourishing Neighbours.” The food grown here will make its way to the Oliver Food Bank upon harvest.
Lyonel Doherty photo
Oliver Food Bank clients will soon be enjoying more fresh produce thanks to wine producer Constellation Brands.
The international company has established a new program called “Nourishing Neighbours,” an initiative designed to give back to the community by helping people in need.
Last Friday Constellation Brands employees met at their McIntyre Vineyard site (three acres) on McKinney Road to plant potatoes, carrots, onions, beets, squash, cucumbers, and melons.
“The food bank wanted us to focus on the essentials as they are in such short supply of these,” said Josie Tyabji, Constellation Brands director of western estates.
“The majority of these items have great shelf life providing food to the community for longer periods of time.”
When Constellation Brands first came up with the idea, it wasn’t sure if local foods banks accepted fresh produce.
“After speaking with them they assured us that this is a misconception that they would love to change,” Tyabji said.
She noted the local food bank has a large volume of people coming through each week (upwards of 1,000), but often there is only non-perishable goods and breads to give them.
“It is our hope that this program will help educate the public that food banks do accept fresh produce and they welcome these types of donations,” Tyabji said.
She said the company reached out to other local businesses and received additional sponsorship from Growers Supply and TRU Building Centre who either donated supplies or provided them at cost.
Constellation Brands has established a company matching program for its employees. For example, for each volunteer hour they put into Nourishing Neighbours, employees are paid for one hour.
Tyabji said the company will continue to look for the best way to support the Oliver community, either through continuation of this program or development of others.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
