The College of the Rockies is partnering with the Community Connections Society of Southeast BC (CCS) to provide fresh, nutritious meals to Cranbrook’s unhoused residents.
College Pre-Education student Katelin Conarroe worked with CCS on a strategy to use fresh produce from its Urban Farm alongside nutritionally dense food from their Food Recovery program to create individually packaged fresh salads.
“It is really fulfilling to know the contribution we are making to the health and well-being of some of the more vulnerable citizens in Cranbrook and to know that they will get at least one nutritious fresh meal every week,” said Conarroe.
“I personally create and deliver each salad with the support of the amazing team at CCS, and I immediately see the results from the gratitude I get in return.”
The College says Conarroe delivers 30 freshly prepared salads per week to several locations around Cranbrook, with the help of Public Health Outreach and the RCMP.
The College says this initiative supports its students through its Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program while bolstering local food security.
“This is an exciting project for the College to be involved in and a valuable WIL opportunity for Katelin,” said Dr. Paul Tiege, Manager of Applied Research and Innovation.
“This project is possible, in part, due to funding from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior.”
In its first year, the Urban Farm will donate over $11,000 in produce to organizations that are part of the food recovery distribution network, such as schools, the food bank, Salvation Army, Street Angels and newer projects, such as the salad distribution program.
“At Cranbrook Urban Farm, we’re not just growing food—we’re growing equity and supporting a more sustainable food system,” said Sophie Larsen, COO of Good Food Programs with the CCS.
“As a social enterprise, we’re committed to making fresh, healthy produce accessible to everyone. This collaboration helps us get our lettuce to those who need it. It’s about nourishing people and strengthening our community.”
The College says this partnership with CCS is thanks to its WIL program, which offers learning opportunities while students get hands-on experience in the field.
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