Helen’s Acres donates nearly 100,000 pounds of produce 

Bumper crop at Helen's

Photo: Helen's Acres/Facebook

Students from VanWest College helped harvest the final strawberry crop at Helen's Acres.

A bumper crop is helping feed those in need in the Kelowna area.

This year’s harvest from Helen’s Acres is estimated at just under 100,000 pounds -- the equivalent of a humpback whale. It has been donated to several community organizations, including the Central Okanagan Food Bank, Kelowna and Westside Women’s Shelter and the Salvation Army.

“We are absolutely thrilled with this year’s harvest,” said Trinity Legacy Foundation executive director, Scott Cochrane. “Thanks to our many volunteers, donors, our network of distribution partners, and the support of our staff, this year’s results have surpassed our expectations. Knowing that more people in need will be receiving this fresh produce on their tables has made this year’s work worthwhile.”

This year’s harvest is an increase of close to 30 per cent over 2023 when 74,579 pounds (33,828 kilograms) of produce was distributed. In 2022, the harvest was 54,853 pounds (24,881 kilograms).

The Trinity Legacy Foundation oversees Helen’s Acres. The 24-acre vegetable garden in the heart of Kelowna has been growing fresh produce for those in need since 2016.

The working farm is located along Mayer Road, between Benvoulin Road and the Mission Creek Greenway. A small group of paid employees work with community volunteers to plant, maintain and pick the crops.

“This year’s results have inspired us to provide even more produce to those in need in the future,” continued Cochrane. “And we invite people from throughout the Central Okanagan to join with us in this effort to provide fresh produce to those who need it most."