Victoria has a brand new free food market open for those in need

Victoria now has a brand new free market that is open for those in need.

Living Edge, a local nonprofit organization who have been on the hunt for a permanent business location since August of this year, have recently opened their newest location in South Victoria.

The market, located at Church of Our Lord at 626 Blanshard St., consists of farmers market-style food stands that offer a wide variety of goods—patrons can expect to find everything from grocery staples like fresh produce, bread and yogurt to full meals like sushi.

This is the organization’s seventh market location in Victoria, with other locations in Esquimalt, Langford, Central Saanich and UVic, among others. The demand for these markets is continuing to grow. According to Victoria News, the second week of the newest market’s opening saw lineups of around 40 people which are expected to rise to an average of 150 in the near future.

The market runs every Thursday from 11am to noon while supplies last. Visitors can line up along Blanshard Street as early as 10:30am to get the chance to fill their bags with the items of their choice. Registration or proof of income is not required for entry—everyone is welcome.

Bryan Wilson, the treasurer of Church of Our Lord and a volunteer with Living Edge, has commented on the market’s positive impact on the community in Victoria, as well as the need for continued help and support in the future to keep it running.

“We definitely welcome donations because the need is great, and the numbers grow every year. Especially in recent months, Living Edge has seen the lineups grow considerably,” Wilson told Victoria News.

Indeed, Victoria has seen an increase in demand for food donations over the past few months. Local charities have noticed a surge of people asking for assistance, especially throughout holiday seasons such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, and many are struggling to keep up with demand.

If you’d like to help local food charities and those in need of their service in Victoria, Living Edge is taking donations online through their website. Tax receipts are issued upon donation.

Find more information on Living Edge and its impact in Victoria on the group’s website.