The North Coast Food Hub is a community-driven initiative that strengthens local food systems and economic capacity in Prince Rupert and collaborates with surrounding Indigenous communities. Although Prince Rupert is a key coastal port and economic gateway on Kaien Island in Ts’msyen Territory, it experiences the highest urban child poverty rates in British Columbia (25.9%, compared to the provincial average of 16.7%), widespread food insecurity, and limited access to culturally appropriate seafood and produce.
These challenges stem from limited local economic control, fragile supply chains, and a lack of community-owned infrastructure. The North Coast Food Hub addresses these issues by developing practical, place-based social and economic infrastructure in schools and community spaces. This supports local production, skills development, and sustainable livelihoods. Given Prince Rupert’s climate and geography, school-based greenhouses and community growing spaces are essential.
This collaborative project unites schools, community organizations, Indigenous partners, and local government to develop a food system rooted in the values, needs, and strengths of BC’s North Coast.
Read the full project briefing
Project Timeline
Start Date | June 2025
Projected Length of Project | 5 years+
Project Leads
Dianne Villesèche (Program Manager, Community Food Systems, Ecotrust Canada)
Jenn Meilleur (Director of Programs and Impact, Ecotrust Canada)
Community Partners
School District 52
City of Prince Rupert
Gitmaxmak’ay Nisga’a Society
Public Health Association of BC (PHABC)
And a growing network of local educators, growers, harvesters, cultural knowledge holders, and volunteers.
What We’re Doing
- Establishing three school-based greenhouses, producing 9,600-28,800 lbs of food annually for school meal programs, vulnerable populations, and local markets
- Hosting a community market
- Developing a local food distribution network, improving access to fresh food for at least 1,000 individuals, including students, Elders, and low-income families
- Equipping School District 52’s commercial kitchen to support the addition of fish in school meal programs from local harvesters
- Delivering educational programming on food production, cooking, processing, and nutrition
- Strengthening the local food economy by creating employment, supporting local growers and harvesters, and building sustainable infrastructure
Why it Matters
Prince Rupert faces rising food costs, increasing child poverty, climate-related supply disruptions, trade and policy uncertainties, and limited access to local food, all of which strain families, schools, and community services. The North Coast Food Hub is being implemented, with infrastructure under construction, strong partnerships, and established community trust.
Strategic investment at this stage will accelerate progress by completing infrastructure, stabilizing staffing, and expanding programs that improve food access for students and families. Early action will build lasting local capacity and long-term community benefits, positioning Prince Rupert and the North Coast as leaders in resilient, community-led food systems.
Who Benefits
The North Coast Food Hub engages community members as active participants in shared systems, not just as recipients of short-term support. It serves people across Ts’msyen Territory, Prince Rupert, and BC’s North Coast, including:
- Indigenous community members, including youth and Elders, and surrounding Indigenous communities
- School District 52 students (64% of whom identify as Indigenous)
- Low-income households facing food insecurity
- Seniors and older adults
- Community members participating in school- and community-based programs, including newcomers and culturally diverse populations
- Local food entrepreneurs
- Community members who would like to purchase local food
Progress Highlights
- New 25’ x 26’ greenhouses at two elementary schools
- 35 raised garden beds across three schools
- Acquired a refrigerated van for school food delivery and equipment for the fish processing kitchen
- In 2025, over 1,050 lbs of produce were grown, with 80% donated to seven community organizations
- In 2025, over 400 lbs were harvested for the school meal program
- In 2026, construction is underway for a 25’ x 100’ community greenhouse to expand food production
Funding Needs and Investment Opportunities
This project is made possible by funding from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and facilitated by the Public Health Association of British Columbia and Food Banks BC. Learn More
Phase 1 is underway, with partial funding secured. Additional investment is required to complete infrastructure, staffing, and programming.
Key investment areas include:
- Dedicated staffing and coordination to ensure effective implementation and long-term impact
- Expansion of school- and community-based greenhouse infrastructure and gardens
- Development of the North Coast Food Hub (Phase 2), including community-facing infrastructure, public market space, and programming
- Establishment of a composting and soil-making operation (Phase 2) to support regenerative practices and sustainable local food production
Join Us
We are developing a self-sustaining model through local food and compost sales, community-driven programming, and strong institutional and community partnerships. This community-led initiative is grounded in the strength, knowledge, and resilience of the people of Prince Rupert and the North Coast of BC.
With your support, we can advance a more resilient, equitable, and culturally grounded food future for the North Coast.
For More Information
Dianne Villesèche | dianne@ecotrust.ca
(In the feature photo, Greenhouse Coordinator Chelsey Wingfield shows off some of the 2025 harvest)