In one of Vancouver Island’s most remote communities, a monthly food delivery is becoming a powerful expression of Vincentian solidarity.
By the time the food truck arrives at the Ehattesaht-Chinehkint Band Office, there is already a team waiting.
The food is unloaded, organized and prepared for distribution. Community members pitch in, children help when they are not in school, and Kisha—the local coordinator—makes sure everything runs smoothly.
It may look like a simple food distribution day. But in Zeballos, it means much more.
Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Zeballos and the neighbouring communities of Ehatis and Oclucje face the challenges that come with living in a remote region.
There is no full-service grocery store, transportation is limited, and residents may need to travel between 174 and 384 kilometres round trip to reach larger centres for groceries, medical appointments and other essential services.
For families living with limited or fixed incomes, those distances can make access to fresh, affordable food particularly difficult.
That is where the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is making a difference.
A monthly connection
Each month, SSVP, together with Loaves and Fishes Food Bank, provides food support to approximately 40 households—about 93 adults, children and youth in the surrounding communities.
Fresh and frozen meat, produce, canned fish and pet food are delivered to the Band Office, where they are distributed to families.
The practical impact is significant. Food assistance helps families stretch their income and frees up money for rent, utilities, fuel, transportation and other necessities. Regular deliveries can also reduce the need for costly trips outside the community.
But the value of the program cannot be measured only in pounds of food.
“Beyond the food itself, this outreach program shows that those living in remote communities have not been forgotten.”
That message of connection was especially evident during the August 21 visit by SSVP representatives Paul Bertrand and Sheila Keats.
The food distribution became an opportunity not only to deliver supplies, but to meet community members, listen to local concerns and explore ways to work together.
Building on what is already there
The community is not simply receiving help—it is actively contributing to its own food security.
Traditional harvesting, food-fish distributions and sharing among families all play an important role. Community and school greenhouses provide seasonal produce, while the community organizes canning sessions every few months.
Fish, jams, vegetables, pickles and fruit are preserved and shared with local families.
During the August visit, locally grown garlic and potatoes were also donated. While potatoes are difficult to grow successfully in the region because of weather, soil and pests, other local initiatives demonstrate the community’s determination to make the most of the resources available.
SSVP’s role is to complement these efforts—not replace them.
From food security to community resilience
The conversations in Zeballos point toward a broader vision. Food security is connected to transportation, housing, employment and access to training.
Potential areas for future collaboration include improving access to affordable food, transportation to regional service centres, additional housing, local training opportunities and more stable year-round employment.
This is the spirit of Vincentian service: to listen first, build relationships and walk alongside people as they identify the solutions that work for their community.
Every month, approximately 200 pounds of potatoes, 100 pounds of carrots, 100 pounds of onions, 226 apples and 276 oranges make the journey north. The quantities may sound ordinary, but their impact is anything but.
And the children, especially, love the apples and oranges.
“A box of food can bring relief. A monthly delivery can bring stability. But a relationship can bring hope.”
The work in Zeballos is a reminder that Vincentian service is not limited by geography. Whether a neighbour lives in a major city or a remote community accessible by challenging roads, the call remains the same: to serve with love, respect, justice and joy.
Sometimes, living that mission means going the extra mile.
In Zeballos, it means going much farther—and making sure no neighbour is left behind.
Paul Bertrand, Vice President and Sheila Keats, President
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Our Lady of Guadalupe Conference
Saint Patrick’s Parish, Campbell River BC
