Leftover food from concerts, Royals games, and other big events at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (SOFMC) is helping feed hundreds of people in Greater Victoria.
Thanks to a partnership with the Mustard Seed Street Church, during the 2024/25 hockey and event season, SOFMC staff worked to make sure surplus food from its concessions and the Lion’s Den Restaurant didn’t go to waste.
Instead, it was gathered and donated to The Mustard Seed, which operates the region’s largest and most accessible food bank.
“Our downtown Victoria food bank supports families, seniors and individuals facing food insecurity with dignity and respect,” said Janice James, sponsorship and community relations manager for The Mustard Seed.
“Most recently, with food donated from SOFMC via Chef Carmen, we served 150 lunchtime meals. We continue to collaborate with other organizations to help us continue serving the community.”
The Mustard Seed serves about 1,511 meals a day, runs a Food Security Distribution Centre that supplies more than 75 local organizations, and offers family programs, hospitality services, the Hope Farm Healing Centre and spiritual care.
The non-profit has been almost entirely community funded since 1975.
“We believe small steps can make a difference, starting with sustainable practices like food donation,” said SOFMC’s executive chef, Carmen Ingham.
“Whether guests are coming for a Royals home game or a sold-out concert, they can feel better knowing the food and beverage outlets they are enjoying have sustainable food practices.”
From SUM 41’s farewell tour and comedy shows by Jim Jefferies and Jimmy Carr to one of the most exciting Victoria Royals seasons in recent memory, the venue has hosted a packed schedule of entertainment.
Now, some of that energy and food is extending beyond the arena and into the community.
