Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre Donates Surplus Food to The Mustard Seed to Help Fight Hunger in Victoria
Leftover food from concerts, Royals games, and events redirected to support vulnerable community members
Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (SOFMC), owned and operated by GSL Group’s Sports & Entertainment division, is proud to share a meaningful partnership with The Mustard Seed Street Church that has helped reduce food waste and feed those in need across Greater Victoria during the 2024/25 event and hockey season.
Rather than discarding safe-to-donate surplus food from concessions and the Lions Den Restaurant, SOFMC staff ensured that remaining food was gathered and donated to The Mustard Seed after busy periods of events. These donations supported the organization’s mission to combat hunger and restore dignity for the region’s impoverished people.
“Our downtown Victoria food bank supports families, seniors and individuals facing food insecurity – with dignity and respect,” said Janice James, sponsorship & community relations manager for The Mustard Seed. “1,511 meals/day are served, which include snacks and beverages. 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 is a non-profit organization that offers a wide range of support, including the largest and most accessible food bank in the region, a Food Security Distribution Centre supplying over 75 local organizations, programs for families, hospitality services, the Hope Farm Healing Centre, and spiritual care. Their operations have been nearly 100% community-funded since 1975.
“Our team at SOFMC is constantly looking for ways to further contribute to the community that supports us,” said Carmen Ingham, executive chef at SOFMC. “We believe small steps can make a difference, starting with sustainable practices like food donation. Whether guests are coming for a Royals home game or a show like Jelly Roll, they can feel better knowing that the food and beverage outlets they’re enjoying have sustainable food practices. We look forward to continuing this relationship with a vital organization like The Mustard Seed into the next event season.”
From sold-out shows like SUM 41’s farewell tour and Jim Jefferies & Jimmy Carr’s comedy double bill to one of the most exciting Victoria Royals seasons in club history, SOFMC served as a hub of entertainment this year. Thanks to this initiative, that energy translated into direct community support long after the final whistle or encore.
