Wildsight Elk Valley’s social enterprise food store, Local, is celebrating its third anniversary of providing community-powered local food.

Founded to enhance year-round access to local food, the Fernie storefront aims to bolster community support for small farmers and food producers in the area.

Wildsight Elk Valley has released Local’s third Annual Impact Report, highlighting significant growth and positive outcomes in the store’s third year. In 2023, over $304,000 was paid to small farms and food producers, with 42% of that amount remaining within the Elk Valley.

The store sold over 110 different types of local vegetables and fruit in 2023, along with popular items such as farm-fresh eggs, honey, meat, and prepared foods.

Additionally, 2023 marked the launch of “Feed the Need,” a year-round community fundraiser. Donations to this initiative provide Local store gift cards to low-income households in the Elk Valley, in partnership with the Fernie Women’s Resource Centre.

Jennifer Lennon, Local Store Manager, stated, “This year-round fundraising effort provides ongoing support to those at risk of food insecurity in our community, further increasing local food access.” So far, 50 households have benefited from fresh, locally-grown food through this program.

Donations to “Feed the Need” can be made at Local or online, with tax receipts available.

Wildsight Elk Valley extends its gratitude to all dedicated volunteers, vendors, Fresh Picks Club and Feed the Need donors, and customers, who support the store with their time, attention, donations, and passion for local food security.

Wildsight Elk Valley’s mission is to cultivate a thriving, knowledgeable, and resilient local food culture through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Local aims to offer a sustainable alternative to imported, industrially grown food by supporting local farmers and producers.