Ayás Mén̓men
Child & Family Services
S7ílhen Food Pantry
Email: Food_Sharing@squamish.net
Phone: 604-971-1140
Manager – Food Program: Khrystyne George
Email: Khrystyne_George@squamish.net
Ayás Mén̓men Food Program
The mission of the Ayás Mén̓men Food Program is to have all Squamish people have equitable and consistent access to healthy, traditional, nurturing foods and gathering spaces where food can be shared. We invite, we inform, involve and inspire our community. The vision of the Ayás Mén̓men Food Program is to have a community where hunger does not exist, and all citizens have access to adequate and nutritious food.
Our Food program aims to cultivate sustainable food sovereignty within the Squamish Nation by growing and providing fresh nutritious produce through our hydroponic and traditional gardening practices. We support the challenges of food security by providing access to food packages when members are experiencing food emergencies. We are dedicated to empowering
our community with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive. Together we strive to create a resilient, heart centered food system that nourishes both body and spirit.
S7ílhen Food Pantry
What is the S7ílhen Food Pantry & what does it provide?
S7ílhen is an emergency pantry which facilitates access to nutritious food for Squamish People experiencing an emergency food need. We believe that nobody should ever go hungry. The pantry is open 5 days a week with 3 designated days for appointments to serve Squamish People. The Pantry is stocked with basic perishable, non-perishable foods and some personal hygiene supplies. We value sustainability and it is our initiative to collect surplus and donated food for effective distribution.
Who is this program for? All Squamish People
Who is it targeted for? Members who are experiencing food insecurity
Accessibility: The food pantry is a low barrier program and accessible for all members based on an assessment of needs
Hydroponic Unit
Hydroponic Unit – Our mission is to enhance food security and promote food sovereignty within our Squamish community through sustainable and innovative growing practices. By providing fresh locally grown produce we empower our community to achieve nutritional health and self-sufficiency. We are committed to nurturing a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone has access to wholesome food.
Food Garden
Our food garden nurtures both food security and sovereignty within our community through sustainable soil gardening practices that deepen our connection to the land. By growing fresh, nutritious produce in harmony with nature, we honor our ancestral traditions, and we hope to empower our community with the knowledge and skills for self-reliance.
Questions? Contact Khrystyne George at Khrystyne_George@squamish.net or 604-985-4111.
FAQ
The Squamish Nation Food Distribution Program will be transitioning from monthly food sharing to a more community-oriented approach, Community Soup Nights, twice a year. The format of food distribution is changing to centre Squamish Nation values such as chén̓chenstway (uphold one another), providing opportunities for families to gather, share meals, and connect with one another.
Food distribution will still be available at seasonal festivals.
If you have feedback about Community Soup Nights, please contact Khrystyne George at Khrystyne_George@squamish.net or 604-985-4111; or contact Tannis Louie at Tannis_Louie@squamish.net or 604-971-1140.
S7ílhen Food Pantry is an emergency pantry which facilitates access to nutritious food for Nation Members experiencing an emergency food need. The pantry is open two days per week for appointments on Tuesdays (8:30 am to 4:30 pm) and Thursdays (10:00 am to 6:00 pm). The Pantry is stocked with basic perishable and non-perishable foods including meat, dairy, cheese, eggs, canned goods, and personal hygiene supplies including toiletries and baby supplies.
Please contact the 604-971-1140 or Food_Sharing@squamish.net to complete intake.
For Members who live far away from the pantry, please apply for support through Member Support Services by contacting 604-982-7610 or mss@squamish.net.
Nation Updates
Approval given for Second Floatel in Squamish
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Council approved the second floatel following a review process under the Squamish National Environmental Assessment Agreement (SNEAA) -- the first Indigenous-led environmental assessment of its kind.
Unveiling the Squamish Valley Community Plan
We are unveiling The Valley’s Plan next month, a first of its kind in the Squamish Valley. It gathers all plans (past, present, future) and clearly explains what we would like to accomplish in the Squamish Valley over the next 10 years.
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Constitution Project Update
During the past two years, we’ve collected input from our community-- at events, family dinners, and through online surveys -- about what should be in our Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Constitution.