The ferry to Bell Island is never predictable. With the wind picking up and waves churning, it can leave the small island community isolated, despite being only a short 20-minute ride from the mainland. This unpredictability is a reality for those living on Bell Island, where access to essentials like food can be challenging, especially during the colder months.
Recognizing this need, Second Harvest partnered with BGC Bell Island (formerly Wabana Boys & Girls Club) to organize a food delivery. The club is the island's only organization dedicated to supporting children and youth, and its impact extends far beyond that. It also provides space for programs for adults with developmental disabilities and offers a community pantry that supports families and seniors.
Sourcing food was not easy. Newfoundland has seen the highest level of food insecurity among Canadian provinces, with nearly 23% of households struggling to put food on the table. At times, shelves go bare. With food distribution tight and winter weather adding heightened challenges, many suppliers were understandably hesitant to part with stock, fearing transportation issues would leave them short.
But Second Harvest is dedicated to getting good food to those who need it most. Through our partnership with Lester's Farm Market, we secured two pallets of locally grown cabbages, root vegetables, squash and even some large turkeys. These nutritious, local vegetables have a long shelf life when stored properly, making them ideal for sustaining families throughout the colder months.
Once the food was secured, it was time to get it to Bell Island. On the last Tuesday in January, our team boarded the ferry, bags packed for an overnight stay — just in case.
Upon arrival, the Boys and Girls Club and Second Harvest teams moved quickly to unload the vegetables from the truck. When a wheel broke through the club’s wooden ramp, everyone adapted, passing bags of produce one by one into the club’s gymnasium.
Though the Second Harvest team wanted to stay and help further, with the winds picking up, they were urged to head back to the dock, making it in time to catch one of the last sailings before the service was shut down for the day.
Back at BGC Bell Island, people began arriving within the hour to collect what they needed, while others received home deliveries to make sure no one was left out. After that first pick-up day, the club organized another — this time serving up homemade turkey soup, once again offering home deliveries for seniors.
For Joe Somerton, Executive Director at BGC Bell Island, the gratitude from the community was overwhelming. “Someone said, ‘We’re so lucky to have you working to help everyone. Times are hard, but you’re always there,’” he shared. “That made me proud but also put a lump in my throat.”
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