Urban Food Resilience Initiatives Society (UFRIS)
Growing natural food in urban spaces.
Promoting self-sufficiency and fostering a deeper connection to the natural environment in urban spaces.
Scroll down to learn more ABOUT UFRIS:
Healthier food in healthier spaces
Urban Food Resilience Initiatives Society (UFRIS) is a non-profit society based on south Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.
- “In tough economic times it’s more important than ever to grow even a small amount of food for good nutrition, zero carbon footprint, and economic resilience.” ~ Mary P Brooke, B.Sc. & Cert PR, Executive Lead & Founding Director, Urban Food Resilience Initiatives Society
- “Individuals, neighbourhoods, non-profits and food-growing specialists are invited to connect with us. Collaboration is key.” ~ Rob Martin, Director, Urban Food Resilience Initiatives Society
- “By cultivating urban gardens, we empower individuals and communities to take control of their food sources.” ~ Deano, Director, Urban Food Resilience Initiatives Society
Education about growing local food
Info sessions, workshops and courses about plants and planting, in-ground and pots, soil and garden management, irrigation & water conservation, harvesting and storage.
Development of urban food gardens
Community garden spaces for folks who want to grow their own vegetables, herbs and fruit and also donate to community-in-need.
Improvement of regional soils
Good soil allows for better food-growing in pots, yards, community and region. We advocate for soil improvement in all regions of BC.
Community events
Info sessions, tours, workshops, courses, booths and presentations.
Municipal infrastructure
Help municipalities align bylaw and development permit parameters with urban food-growing capacity.
Emergency preparedness
Planning for food availability in local neighbourhoods (e.g. earthquake disaster response, major supply chain interruptions)
Get involved
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A growing organization:
- Launch UFRIS (2024).
- Launch our first community garden (2025).
- Expanding our networking in the urban development, food-growing, and emergency preparedness communities (2025 and beyond).
Board of Directors:
- Board of directors: Mary P Brooke, Rob Martin, Deano Ross
- Annual General Meeting in November each year.
- Executive Lead is Mary P Brooke, B.Sc, Cert PR
Volunteers & members welcome
- Help out at a community garden (grow, build, repair).
- Deliver food to local food bank organizations.
- Offer a workshop, host an event or tour.
- Email to: info@urbanfoodresilience.ca or text/tel 250-588-7091
“Enabling households and communities to grow and have access to locally-grown natural nutritious food.”
Mary P Brooke, B.Sc., Cert PR
Executive Lead, Urban Food Resilience Initiatives Society (UFRIS)
ABOUT PAGE: Last updated July 25, 2025
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