Food security is one of those topics that nobody really wants to talk about – mostly because about the time we need to be worrying about it, other really scary events are going on.

So, let’s trade the picture of natural disaster for homemade pie.

That’s what you can pick up at Edible Island and Brambles Market in Courtenay starting today (Wed., Feb. 3) to support the fantastic work that LUSH Valley Food Action Society does in the Comox Valley to ensure that our local food system is always stable and secure. You can read our profile on LUSH HERE.

The production and sale of pies commemorates the certification of LUSH Valley’s commercial kitchen, an undertaking of many months and many volunteer hours and donor support. The new commercial facility is a key component in the Comox Valley’s local food security strategy.

LUSH Valley Food Action Society is a non-profit charitable community food security partnerwho strives to reflect the cultural, political and economic diversity and the potential of the Comox Valley food system. In 2008, LUSH Valley was identified as one of five agencies by VIHA to serve as a VIHA Food Security HUB.

Now that the LUSH commercial kitchen is built, more local food processors will have access to a VIHA-certified facility at affordable prices. Ideally, the kitchen will also serve the local community with hands-on educational workshops, cooperative meal production, and the processing of donated fresh produce and fruits.

The kitchen is such a great community-wide project that takes local food to the next level and was made possible with major support from Coastal Community Credit Union and Vancouver Island Health Authority, with additional support from QMATA Heating & Plumbing, Panoramic Homes, Super Klean Restoration and Complete Plumbing.

So, get on over to Edible Island (477 6th Street) and Brambles Market (4th & Cliffe Avenues) to get some yummy pie (who doesn’t love homemade pie?) with all proceeds going to LUSH.

For more information, visit www.foodcomoxvalley.org or call 250-331-0152.

Photo courtesy of B. Clempson