Since the moment it opened its doors back in 2012, Harvest Community Foods has developed deep roots within the community. “Michael, the original owner, had polled the neighbourhood about what they wanted in this space,” explains co-owner Gabriella Meyer. “And people chose a local grocer and café.”
Ever since, under the ownership of Gabriella, Andrea Carlson, and Kevin Bismanis, the community project has served the residents of Chinatown-Strathcona and the city at large from its cozy Union Street digs. Equal parts eatery and organic grocery store, Harvest has emerged as a neighbourhood staple, offering groceries and tasty ramen dishes alongside a wide selection of locally made goods and Lower Mainland produce.
“So many people don't know where their food comes from,” Gabriella muses. “If we can help our neighbourhood eat local and organic, we'll have done a good thing. We'll have helped the neighbourhood, and we'll have helped the farmers. It's just a big circle – everyone helping each other.”
