Patients at North Island Hospital, Comox Valley (NIH-CV) are enjoying fresh, locally grown produce from Comox Valley farmers thanks to a new opportunity with LUSH Valley Food Action Society.
The pilot project, which began in July 2025, connects Island Health with small-scale farmers through LUSH Valley's aggregation and distribution services, bringing local bounty to patients at NIH-CV.
"Working with LUSH represents an important step in our commitment to supporting local food systems," said Jennifer Eskes, director of food services for Island Health for central and north Island. "With LUSH Valley as an intermediary, we're able to bring farm-fresh produce from small, local growers directly to our patients, creating a unique farm-to-healthcare connection that benefits both our patients and our local agricultural community."
The program currently supplies four specific crops – baby potatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and blueberries – all sourced directly from Comox Valley farmers.
Island Health and Lush Valley staff come together at North Island Hospital
LUSH Valley, which stands for "Let Us Share the Harvest," purchases produce from multiple local farms and delivers it to Island Health facilities, making it easier for the health authority to work with smaller growers.
"This is precedent-setting for local food procurement policy in institutions," said Maurita Prato, executive director of LUSH Valley Food Action Society. "LUSH has been advocating for institutions to work with us in this way and it's a big win for the local food system to have Island Health on board!"
Angela van den Hooven of Berry Creek BC, the program’s blueberry supplier, says local farmers appreciate the new opportunity.
"LUSH Valley has made it easier for us to distribute, filling local bellies with delicious, grown-with-love blueberries! We are so honoured that we get to provide patients in the hospital a burst of flavor, nourishment and hopefully a moment of enjoyment."
Working together with LUSH builds on Island Health's participation in the Ministry of Agriculture's Feed BC program, which works with public institutions to increase the use of BC foods. "We currently purchase around 30 percent of our food from BC sources, including BC-made bread, BC milk, and other BC grown, raised, or processed products. By teaming up with LUSH Valley, we're taking it further, sourcing hyper-local Comox Valley-grown produce,” said Eskes.