2) Lush Valley Food Action Society (Comox Valley) - $5000

The Queer Food Sovereignty Project will provide inclusive, community-based food access and food literacy programming for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals of all ages in the Comox Valley. The project will deliver four monthly community kitchens led by queer facilitators, where participants prepare and share healthy meals using locally sourced ingredients, while developing practical cooking, nutrition, and food budgeting skills. Participants will also have opportunities to engage in seasonal food preservation activities, and community harvest events that strengthen connections to local food systems and increase confidence in growing and preparing food. To reduce barriers to participation, transportation stipends and take-home Good Food Boxes containing fresh produce and meal ingredients will be provided. Programming will intentionally create welcoming, affirming spaces where queer and trans community members can connect across generations, reduce social isolation, and build supportive relationships. Activities will be delivered in partnership with local 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations, community volunteers, and food educators, creating opportunities for participants to strengthen food skills, improve food access, and foster a greater sense of belonging within the community.

The project will increase food security, food literacy, and community connection for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in the Comox Valley. Participants will gain practical skills related to cooking, meal planning, food preservation, and growing food, increasing their confidence and capacity to access healthy meals. This project runs from September 2026 to June 2027. 

Expected outcomes include:

• Increased access to healthy and affordable food.

• Increased confidence preparing nutritious meals.

• Improved food literacy and food-growing knowledge.

• Reduced social isolation among 2SLGBTQIA+ participants.

• Increased connection to local food systems and community resources.

• Stronger intergenerational relationships within the queer community.