Daphne Herberts and Jo-Anne Parneta of the Port Moody Foundation are in studio with host Cathy Cena to talk about the foundation and food insecurity issues here in the Tri-Cities.

The Port Moody Foundation is currently partnering with local organizations such as Grow Local, Kinsite, Share Family and Community Services, and Community Volunteer Services to distribute "vegi-pods" to the community. This project not only brought individuals together to learn about horticulture on a small scale, but it also helped to bring together various community groups in the region to help focus their energies on the issue of food insecurity.

The "vegi-pod" program oversaw the production of small back yard or balcony units no bigger than a barbeque that would allow program participants to grow some of their own vegetables. This was not intended to provided all of their dietary requirements throughout the year but in conjunction with community gardens was intended to help fulfil participants needs while at the same time bringing them a little closer to nature and providing a little food autonomy.

The Port Moody Foundation was established in 1989 by a group of Port Moody residents who envisioned a Foundation whose goal was to invest in projects and initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Port Moody. Today the Foundation has an endowment of over $500,000. These funds are held in perpetuity and the interest earned is invested back into initiatives that support the quality of life of Port Moody.

The Port Moody Foundation funds reflect a diversity of interests. Their funds provide scholarships to Port Moody students pursuing post-secondary education, to programs enhancing the natural environment and they also support the Port Moody Public Library. Undesignated donations are invested into a general endowment, the interest of which is distributed to support organizations that are working to enhance the community; organizations such as the Port Moody Station Museum and the Port Moody Art Gallery.

Each year the Port Moody Foundation distributes approximately over $11,000 to the community. Port Moody Foundation’s 2023 Community Grant Program continues it's annual initiative to help local non-profits fulfill their goals in serving the community. Get more information or apply now at www.portmoodyfoundation.ca