Coastline Hampers + Mini Market
As the Covid-19 pandemic changed the way we looked at viruses and disease, it also helped us redirect our focus in outreach to those who were struggling to put food on their tables. Food insecurity here in Victoria is a reality for many, and one way that Coastline Church has made an impact in our community is through helping families and individuals with this ever-increasing problem. When the pandemic started back in the spring of 2020, Coastline began to share the love of Jesus through helping families in need with food hampers. As the number of hampers increased, the idea of a free food mini market was born through a partnership with the local Mustard Seed organization. These mini markets would allow for a greater choice of food and better use of time and volunteer effort. The mini markets began at Quadra Village and the Market Street apartments, and has now grown to include the Cridge Centre and a more recent location in Sidney, BC. We are so grateful for the partnership with The Mustard Seed for produce, dairy, canned and dry goods and meat products as well. We are also thankful for the CoastlineIgnite community volunteers who help run most of the markets.
About a year into the pandemic, we discovered a farm that donates all its produce to charities committed to the problem of food insecurity. Jason Austin of Gatton Farm provides fresh, free produce to organizations around greater Victoria including our mini markets and hamper ministries. Gatton Farm also provides a great place for our outreach volunteers to step out and serve any day of the week. Since March 2021, Coastline has had a weekly presence at the farm to help with the planting, harvesting, and other general work put into growing fruits and vegetables. What a blessing it has been to harvest produce in the morning and see it pass into the hands of those who need it most that same day through the Coastline mini markets. Produce doesn’t get any fresher than that!
The mini markets provide practical support to families in need, but the greater goal of sharing the life-giving message of Jesus has been realized. We have now connected people to Bible studies, prayer times, kids’ camp ministry, and the hope of starting a new church community through this Kingdom Builders initiative. The impact of the Coastline mini markets goes much deeper than just providing food to families in need.
Meeting basic needs, building new relationships, and sharing the love of Jesus has been such an exciting part of the Coastline hamper and mini market ministry. Special thanks to the Mustard Seed and Gatton Farm for helping us help those in need.
-Will Wild, Director of Community Engagement and Missions
