A Champion for Food Security
Fatima is best known as the co-founder and driving force behind Nourish Cowichan, a groundbreaking initiative that addresses food insecurity for children and families in the Cowichan Valley. Established in 2016, Nourish Cowichan began with a mission to support one local school but quickly grew to serve dozens of schools, providing thousands of meals every year.
Under Fatima’s leadership, Nourish Cowichan has become a lifeline for families in need. Her innovative approach transformed an unused school district workshop into a fully operational commercial kitchen, which now serves as the heart of their meal production efforts. Today, Fatima’s vision extends far beyond school meals, with programs providing breakfast, lunch, snacks, and weekend food options.

Leading Through Challenges
Fatima’s leadership truly shone during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the demand for Nourish Cowichan’s services skyrocketed. With tireless determination, she expanded the program to feed not just students but entire families, managing multiple kitchens and complex logistics to meet the growing needs of the community.

Her commitment to preserving dignity for those she serves is at the core of her work. By adopting an open-door policy and providing families with choices in their meals, Fatima ensures that Nourish Cowichan is about more than just food—it’s about fostering hope and respect.

A Legacy of Community
Fatima’s impact extends beyond Nourish Cowichan. She has built enduring partnerships with schools, local Rotary Clubs, and other organizations, empowering the entire Cowichan Valley to work together in addressing food insecurity. Her efforts to share best practices with other districts, like Port Alberni, and her consulting role with provincial food programs highlight her commitment to a future where no child in B.C. goes hungry.
Through her mentorship of volunteers, youth initiatives like the Student Advisory Committee, and her long-term vision for sustainability, Fatima is laying the foundation for Nourish Cowichan to thrive for generations to come.

Inspired by Gratitude
An immigrant from Mozambique, Fatima’s journey to Canada in 1985 profoundly shaped her philosophy of giving back. She attributes her work ethic and dedication to the values instilled by her family: "If you see a problem and you have the solution, it is your duty to help."
After a successful career managing restaurants like Vinoteca and Bistro 161, Fatima chose to close her business in 2019 to focus entirely on Nourish Cowichan. Her unwavering commitment to the community has inspired countless volunteers, staff, and partners to join her in the fight against food insecurity.

A Well-Deserved Honour
The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates individuals who have left an enduring legacy in their communities. Fatima Da Silva’s work with Nourish Cowichan exemplifies this spirit, showcasing the profound difference one person can make through compassion, innovation, and hard work.

Congratulations, Fatima Da Silva, on this well-deserved recognition. Your legacy will continue to inspire the Cowichan Valley for generations to come.

Learn more about Nourish Cowichan and how you can support their mission by visiting their website at www.nourishcowichan.ca

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