Description
NOTE: This is for Port Alberni pick-up locations only. If you’d like to pick up in Parksville, please purchase from this entry.
The Fall CSA Weekly Veggie Share Subscription is an 8 week program September 9h – October 30th.
The Fall Subscription features fresh produce like: corn, carrots, beets, zucchini, patty pans, microgreens, squash, melons, pumpkin, garlic, kale, lettuce, salad mix, turnip, spinach, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, kohlrabi, collard greens, plums and apples.
The TRC program is proud to offer delicious fresh bread and buns as an optional addition to our CSA boxes.
Save 10%! If all three Seasons are ordered together, 10% will be deducted automatically at the Checkout.
About Shelter Farm
Shelter Farm is a Market Garden Social Enterprise operated by the Port Alberni Shelter Society. Located on a 172acre ALR zoned property within the Alberni Valley. We grow 70 varieties of Fruit, Vegetables and Herbs. We are home to the Alberni Valleys first Therapeutic Recovery Centre which immerses participants in the therapeutic benefits of farm life. As well, we host a Peer Employment Program through partnership with INEO Employment Services for people struggling with homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a system that connects the producer and consumer within a food system. The consumer purchases “Shares” of the harvest upfront before the beginning of the season. This upfront investment in the farm allows the farmer to access resources required to have a successful harvest. At Shelter Farm we have 3 seasons of CSA Shares. A Spring 8 week program, a Summer 14 week program and a Fall 8 week program. The shares will be fresh, in season, fruit, vegetables and herbs.
Weekly Pick-Up Details
Weekly pick-up times and locations are listed on the main Shop page, you can select your preference at the checkout as well, and change any time if needed, just let us know.
Please bring your own reusable bags.
Note: there’s a limit of 60 total subscriptions, don’t delay!
What Our Customers Are Saying
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Cha-cha-changes are happening at Shelter Farm!
We’re like to extend a heartfelt thank you to outgoing Shelter Farm Manager, Claire Boudreau. Over the past four years, she’s helped drive tremendous growth at the farm – expanding from one field to six, more than doubling our CSA memberships, and extending our reach to serve communities from Port Alberni to Parksville, Nanaimo, Ucluelet, and Tofino.
While we’re sad to see Claire go, we know she’s excited to embrace new opportunities and challenges. Congratulations, Claire! Thank you for your hard work and we wish you all the best on your future endeavours!
A message from your NEW Shelter Farm manager, Riley Forbes!
Allow me to take a moment to introduce myself, I’m Riley and thank you all for the warm welcome! I’m looking forward to contributing what I can, and have nearly two decades of experience in the horticulture industry, most recently as the owner/operator of my own business.
I’m eager to shift my focus to growing food for the Alberni Valley and supporting the Therapeutic Recovery Community. Me, along with my partner and our entourage of pets are enjoying settling into their new home in Port Alberni and when not stuck in the mud at work, you’ll find me out on the trails, surfing, or on a boat!
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Recently, a group of women from the Therapeutic Recovery Centre (TRC) recovery program at Shelter Farm (owned and operated by the Port Alberni Shelter Society) took part in a very special field trip. We journeyed to Duncan, BC, to explore Home for Hooves Animal Sanctuary and connect with the rescued animals who live there.
We were warmly welcomed by sanctuary founder and host, Michelle Singleton and her staff, who guided us through an inspiring afternoon. The visit included a delicious plant-based lunch by Cashew Catering, time spent meeting the animals, and an opportunity to learn about the incredible work being done at Home for Hooves.
Healing Power of Animals
Spending time with rescued animals offers a unique opportunity for reflection, grounding and connection. For the women in our TRC recovery program, this experience was not only educational but emotional. Hearing each animal’s story, we were reminded that their resilience mirrors the resilience required in recovery, and both journeys highlight the importance of patience, care, and second chances.
This trip also highlights something we are proud of at the Port Alberni Shelter Society: our commitment to being an animal-friendly organization. At the Port Alberni Shelter Society, we welcome both people and their animals into our housing and recovery programs, recognizing the vital human–animal bond is important to us. No one is turned away because they have a companion animal.
A Special Thank You
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Michelle Singleton and the team at Home for Hooves for opening their doors to us, sharing their knowledge, and caring so deeply for the animals. The lessons learned and memories made will stay with our TRC participants for a long time.
To learn more about Home for Hooves and the important work they do, please visit their website and consider supporting their mission to protect animals in need. https://www.homeforhooves.org/
