Every day in Victoria, more families than you may realize face tough choices: paying for groceries or rent, bus fare or school supplies, dinner or heating. Those choices shouldn’t have to be made at all. The cost of living continues to rise in the city, and more families are reaching out to us for help than ever before.
At The Mustard Seed Street Church, we’ve been walking alongside families in need for 50 years. What started in 1975 as a small stool in a shop has grown into a vital community hub that supports more than 60,000 people every month. We rescue and distribute over $10 million worth of food each year, feeding 15% of Greater Victoria. But even with all that, demand went up 24% last year alone, and one in four people who come through our doors is a child.
If you’re wondering how you can help families in Victoria right now, there are simple, powerful ways to make a real difference.
1. Donate Food or Funds
Every can, every dollar, and every grocery bag helps. Donating non-perishable food items is one of the most direct ways to support local families. It can be rice, pasta, canned proteins, soups, pantry staples or more. You can drop donations off at The Mustard Seed Food Bank or organize a food drive through your workplace, school, or community group.
Financial donations are even more impactful. Every $1 donated helps us provide about $3 worth of food, thanks to our community partnerships and rescued food network. If you’re able, giving monthly helps us plan ahead and meet growing needs throughout the year.
2. Volunteer Your Time
If you’re looking for a hands-on way to help, volunteering with The Mustard Seed is one of the most meaningful experiences you can have. Our volunteers help sort food, prepare meals, pack hampers, and support special programs that reach families directly.
Whether you can give a few hours a week or a few days a month, your time creates a ripple effect that touches hundreds of lives. We also welcome families, students aged 16 and older, and corporate teams who want to volunteer together. It’s a great way to bond while giving back.
You can find our volunteer opportunities at mustardseed.ca/volunteer
3. Support a Child During the Summer
For many families, the summer can be an incredibly tough time of year, when school lunch programs stop. Through programs like our Fair Start For Kids, we provide snacks, school supplies, new shoes and more to kids who otherwise might go without.
You can get involved by volunteering, donating, or sponsoring a Fair Start Kit.
4. Host a Community Fundraiser or Food Drive
If you want to get creative, organizing your own community event is a fun and impactful way to raise support. You can host a bake sale, fun run, donation drive, or even a holiday party with a giving focus. Every bit counts, and these events not only raise resources but also awareness of food insecurity in our city.
We are happy to help provide guidance or materials to make your event successful. When neighbors rally together, the results are incredible.
Helping families in Victoria doesn’t require grand gestures, it starts with small acts of kindness that add up to something much bigger. Whether you’re donating food, volunteering your time, or organizing a local drive, every effort brings hope to a family that needs it.
If you’d like to learn more or get involved, please visit mustardseed.ca or subscribe to our email list for updates on volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and stories of hope from the families you’re helping. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate Victoria, one family at a time.
