At The Mustard Seed Food Bank, dignity starts with choice. Our choice-based market gives individuals and families the freedom to choose the food that fits their needs, cultures, and dietary preferences.
If you need food today, you are welcome here.
📍 625 Queens Ave, Victoria, BC
There is no judgment—only care, community, and support.
And if you’re able to help, your generosity keeps our shelves stocked and our community nourished. Donate today: mustardseed.ca/donate (link in bio)
#MustardSeedVic #YYJCommunity #FoodBank #FightHunger #FoodSecurity #GiveHope
Reminder! Our Food Bank Item of the Month specialty sale price is ending soon at Country Grocer. From now until May 14, pick up Robin Hood Quick Oats or Large Flake Oats (1 kg) for $2.97 each. After that, they’ll stay on special for $3.97 for the rest of May. If you’re able, consider grabbing an extra one to donate, a small pantry staple that offers meaningful support for your local food bank! 💛Which do you usually reach for, quick oats or large flake?
#PeopleOfTheSeed: Meet Leslie!
When Leslie retired, she knew she wanted to give back. But finding a volunteer placement during COVID wasn’t easy. Through a former coworker who had been volunteering at The Mustard Seed, she connected with us, and as Leslie puts it, “The rest is history.”
Since 2021, Leslie has been a dedicated volunteer on our produce sorting team, helping sort rescued fruits and vegetables so good food can reach people instead of landfills. Every shift, she helps sort produce into three categories—food for the community, food for the kitchen, and food for compost. It’s hands-on work, and sometimes not glamorous. “I really love it,” she says. “Sometimes, some of the food is really gross! But I love the possibility of saving food and helping people access it. I think that’s really, really important.”
“One thing I’ve never gotten used to is the enormous waste of food,” Leslie says. “It’s overwhelming to me. Shocking!” That’s exactly why she keeps coming back. “Every time I’m here, I’m proud to help save some of this food from being wasted,” she says. “We’re actually doing something valuable. It’s not like we’re just moving stuff from one place to another.”
For Leslie, one of the best parts of volunteering is the people she works alongside. “As a retired person, it’s easy to just be around people who are all like you,” she reflects. “So I love the fact that there are different people here—different ages, different backgrounds, new Canadians, people with different life experiences.” She smiles. “We even share food knowledge with each other. Someone will know exactly what something is and how to cook it.”
“People say things like, ‘I was embarrassed to go to a food bank. I felt like people would judge me.’” Leslie wants people to put those fears to rest. “For all the people here, and the people I’ve worked with, we want you to eat. We really, really, really want you to eat. We want everyone to eat every day.”
Thank you, Leslie, for turning your shock at food waste into action, and for helping good food find its way to the people who need it most.
#MustardSeedVic #FoodRescue #EndFoodWaste #VolunteerStory #CommunityCare #YYJCommunity #YYJ
We’re honored to be part of WILD ART FOR THE BIG OF HEART, an inspiring community art exhibition by Tanya Bub this May! @victoriadrifter
Tanya has created 10 sculptures inspired by 10 local charities, including a special angel sculpture inspired by The Mustard Seed.
Come experience art with purpose, and direct 25% of the purchase price to the charity of your choice.
📅 May 12–31, 2026
📍 Gage Gallery Arts Collective
🎉 Free Opening Reception: May 14 | 5–8 PM
We’d love to see you there! 💛#MustardSeedVic #YYJCommunity #ArtForACause #Community #YYJArtist #TanyaBub #YYJArts #Angel
💛 Food Bank Item for the month of May! 🥣We’re keeping things wholesome this month with a pantry staple that makes a big difference! From now until May 14, grab Robin Hood Quick Oats or Large Flake Oats (1 kg bags) for just $2.97 each, then $3.97 for the rest of May! It’s an easy, hearty way to support local families in need. Pick one up for your own pantry and consider grabbing an extra to drop in the donation bin at the front of our stores! Warm bowls. Full hearts. Big impact! Thank for all of your support!
#PeopleOfTheSeed: Meet Patrick!
Patrick has spent his life helping people. Born and raised in Hong Kong, he built a career as a physiotherapist for more than 30 years, serving patients in Edmonton, Vancouver and beyond. After retiring, Patrick and his wife moved to Victoria in 2025, where they saw a familiar need right outside their door. “Now I’m living in downtown Victoria, I see so many people who need help,” he shares. “Coming from the medical field, helping people is our basic instinct and I wanted to give back to the community.”
Last fall, Patrick began volunteering at our Food Bank Market. Most days, you’ll find him working behind the scenes alongside our team. “My main job is getting the Market organized - stocking shelves, cleaning, moving items, and helping in the Market,” he explains.
“I like my volunteer work,” he says simply. “It gives me a sense of community working alongside like-minded people and everybody there is fun and friendly. It is very gratifying to know that our effort is making a difference and helping people put food on the table.”
“Sometimes I also help in the ‘U’ area, delivering items to the community members. It is wonderful to get positive feedback and appreciation directly from them.” That appreciation has meant a lot to him. “It not only makes me feel proud,” he says, “but also gives me a sense of belonging to the community. It feels good to help people.”
He and his wife have also jumped into seasonal volunteering, from Christmas Hampers to the Christmas Parade and gift wrapping at Hillside Mall. “All these experiences are exceptionally rewarding,” he reflects.
His message to anyone who may need support is simple and heartfelt: “If you need help, just come. You don’t need to feel shameful or embarrassed about asking for help. We are always here for anyone who’s in need”
Looking ahead, Patrick hopes The Mustard Seed will continue to serve the community for many years to come and “continue to provide enriching opportunities for us to volunteer.”
Thank you, Patrick, for bringing your servant’s heart, your life experience, and your quiet dedication to our community.
#MustardSeedVic #FoodBank #YYJCommunity
Pics from a dawn photoshoot of “Modern Angel” taken from across the Blue Bridge with downtown Victoria as the backdrop. The last one has me in it. Which do you like best?
Mark your calendars to see her and dozens of other sculptures at my upcoming solo show…
Wild Art for the Big of Heart
May 12-31, 2026 - Gage Gallery
19 Bastion Sq, downtown Victoria
She was inspired by the amazing work of the Mustard Seed Society @mustardseedvic who help people in need in Victoria,BC
At the heart of this exhibit are 10 sculptures, each inspired by one of the ten local participating charities. Buy something at the show and you decide which charity receives 25% of the purchase price.
The charities are putting on fantastic events including film screenings, talks, parties and even a paw-print art making event for your dogs. Check out the event calendar and make time for your favourites…
/upcoming-shows
I’ll be there for the whole show so pop in to say hello and do spread the word! All are welcome, it’s free and there will be something for everyone :)
Huge thanks to the Downtown Victoria Business Association @downtownvictoriabc and Destination Greater Victoria @tourismvictoriabc for all your support!
See you at the show!
Tanya
@nearme.victoria@yyjbuzz@do250
At Clover Residential, we help people buy, sell and rent their properties, supporting where people live and how communities grow.
Our work is rooted in trust, long-term relationships, and care. But we know a strong community takes more than just housing. It takes support, compassion, and people showing up for each other.
That’s why this partnership feels like such a natural fit. While we focus on housing and the spaces people call home, The Mustard Seed is doing the essential work of ensuring people have access to food and support, without barriers or judgment.
It’s all connected. And we’re grateful to be part of something that supports the whole community.
#CloverResidential #CommunitySupport #TheMustardSeed #GiveBack
At The Mustard Seed, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Their compassion, reliability, and teamwork strengthen our programs and help create a caring community for those we serve.
We’re proud to introduce our new bi-monthly recognition initiative: Hearts of the Community. Every two months, department supervisors will select outstanding volunteers who consistently demonstrate dedication, kindness, and a team-first spirit.
We are honoured to celebrate our first recipients:
💛 Renate Raudaschl & Detlev Schwartz – Food Security Distribution Centre
For years, Renate and Detlev have been humble food rescue champions. During COVID, they faithfully showed up Monday to Friday, week after week, as our produce sorting team. Their dedication, humour, and efficiency have made them an essential part of our Food Rescue Program. They support agency partners, train new volunteers, and help ensure rescued food reaches those who need it most.
💛 Barb Jones – Hospitality Centre
Barb is recognized for her years of compassionate service. She volunteers twice a week, one day in the kitchen and one day offering foot care to community members. She brings warmth, kindness, and encouragement to everyone she meets. Staff describe her as funny, dependable, generous, brave, compassionate, and “the most lovely person ever.”
💛 Sam Korberg – Guest Services
Sam volunteers three days a week and makes a huge difference in our clients' lives through her steady presence, kindness, and compassion. Her dedication helps create a welcoming and supportive environment for our guests.
💛 Julie Murtha – Food Bank
Julie is a loyal long-term volunteer who brings dedication, hard work, and thoughtful ideas that have helped improve our daily operations. She volunteers twice a week and is always willing to help wherever needed. We are so grateful for her commitment and care.
💛 Tony Hopkins – Kitchen
Tony is always working hard to the point of sweating. He moves with clear purpose and passion for helping in any way he can. His commitment to serving others and supporting the team is deeply appreciated.
To all of our volunteers: thank you for making The Mustard Seed stronger every day.
The Royal Victoria Marathon is coming up this Thanksgiving weekend, and we’re excited to share that The Mustard Seed is a charity partner this year! @runvictoriamarathon
You can support our community by walking, jogging, or running any race distance — 1K Kids Run, 5K, 8K, Half Marathon, or the full Marathon. Our team will be walking, jogging, and running the 8K together, and we would love to have you join us!
Join our team, RUN for The Mustard Seed, via the link in bio.
(/events/2026/111326/2026-royal-victoria-marathon/pledge/team/180)
It’s a fun and meaningful way to stay active, connect with others, and make a real difference in our community. Every step helps support food, hope, and care for those who need it most. We’d love to have you with us!
#MustardSeedVic #RoyalVictoriaMarathon #RVM2026 #YYJCommunity #RunForGood #Thanksgiving #CommunityImpact #YYJ
We had a wonderful time celebrating the incredible volunteers who make The Mustard Seed such a caring and vibrant community. Yesterday, we gathered with staff, volunteers, and guest speaker Lisa Mort-Purland @volunteervictoria to recognize the compassion, dedication, and impact of those who give so generously of their time.
Thank you to all of our volunteers! Your kindness and generosity strengthen our community every single day. You are truly the heart of The Mustard Seed.
#MustardSeedVic #VolunteerAppreciation #HeartOfTheCommunity #NVW2026 #YYJCommunity #Gratitude #YYJ
Earth Day is every day at The Mustard Seed, as we divert 10,000 pounds of surplus food, otherwise destined for the landfill, to our community.
In 2025, we also composted 244,135 pounds of inedible food and redirected 131,192 pounds to local farmers, supporting a more sustainable and resilient food system.
Every pound of food we rescue means less waste, fewer emissions, and more meals for people who need them.
#MustardSeedVic #EarthDay #OurPowerOurPlanet #FoodRescue #Sustainability #YYJCommunity #ReduceWaste #EarthDay2026
