By turning shared meals into hands-on learning, Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society is helping learners of all ages gain literacy, confidence and life skills for a healthier, brighter future.

Food has a way of bringing people together. Around a table, in a garden or in a community kitchen, people share stories, traditions and knowledge. At the Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society (MWFLS), food is also a fun and practical way to help people build reading, math, life skills, confidence and community in North Vancouver Island.

“Food is such a natural connector, bringing people together, exchanging knowledge and creating space to share about our other literacy programs,” said Jeanne James-Hory, Adult Literacy and Food Literacy Coordinator at MWFLS. “It’s a great way to meet new learners and volunteers.”

What is food literacy?

Food literacy is about more than healthy eating. It means having the skills and knowledge to grow, choose, prepare and enjoy food in ways that support health, culture, community and the environment. It also means knowing how to store and cook food safely, budget for groceries and understanding where food comes from.

Learning through food for all ages

Food has been part of learning at MWFLS for many years.

Participants build literacy and math skills by reading recipes, measuring ingredients and budgeting for meals. Problem-solving skills and confidence grow alongside practical skills they can use every day. They strengthen communication and connection as they cook together, share meals and learn from one another.

During Family Literacy Week in February, the theme “Make mealtime family learning time” came to life at a Kitchen Connections Pie Party. Families made chicken pot pie and a mud pie dessert while learning new skills, strengthening bonds and creating memories.

Children in after-school programs have learned about cooking, wild foraging, gardening and sharing with their neighbours. Teens participate in workshops like pizza-making during spring break. Seniors connected through the Senior’s Tea and Toast Project, helping to reduce isolation while supporting health and well-being.

Partnerships build community and food security

MWFLS works with local partners like Mount Waddington Community Food Initiative, United Way Community Food Hub “A’ek̓aḵilax̱a̱n’s Gukwalut – Nourish North,” Sacred Wolf Friendship Centre and Port Hardy Recreation. They create programs that draw from community knowledge, including traditional Kwakwaka’wakw food practices.

A mobile kitchen, hands-on cooking and smart shopping workshops, partnerships with local growers, community projects and volunteers all help to make healthy eating enjoyable and accessible. Learners in these programs went home with recipe kits, workbooks, food packages, prepared meals and trays of growing microgreens.

Workshop participants said:

“I’m going to start doing this at home now.”

“This was an awesome workshop- very refreshing and informative.”

“I’m going to share my warm empanadas with the guys at the shelter.”

MWFLS also coordinates the local BC Farmers’ Markets Nutrition Coupon Program. It addresses food access and affordability—critical barriers for many families. Participants not only receive coupons for fresh, local food but also find connection and belonging.

“This program has been more than a food access initiative,” said Jeanne. “It has created a supportive, social space. Participants have expressed deep gratitude for the companionship. For some, checking in became a highlight of their week.”

A foundation for lifelong learning

Food literacy empowers people with practical skills, strengthens community connections and opens doors to more learning and opportunities. At MWFLS, every shared meal, garden harvest and cooking lesson is a step toward stronger literacy, healthier communities and brighter futures for learners of all ages.