Photo by HA Photography

The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance brought Island Good to life in 2018. Since then, Island Good has become the leader in helping Island residents find locally grown, made and produced products. Now, more than ever, that consumer sentiment to support local is growing. Let Island Good help you find the way to island made products that supports our businesses, our economy and our community.

Have you ever thought about everything you purchase, big or small? From your morning coffee to the shampoo you use in the shower and even the windows in your home? What if every item you bought didn’t just serve a purpose in your day, but made a lasting difference in your community?

That’s the idea behind Island Good, a movement connecting you with products grown, made, and manufactured right here on Vancouver Island and the rural islands. From artisan cheese and handcrafted soap to local sodas, windows, and mattresses, every Island-made purchase supports local businesses, fuels jobs, and encourages sustainability, building a stronger, more resilient economy for us all.

Supporting Island Good also means helping to strengthen local supply chains — something that’s especially vital during uncertain times.

“Island Good is your trusted guide to finding Island-made goods while supporting our economy and community,” says Julie Sperber, CEO and President of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA). “With our relaunch as a social enterprise, we’re excited to continue building meaningful connections between consumers and local businesses across many industries.”

Island Good’s Renewed Social Enterprise Model

Island Good’s renewed social enterprise model includes:

• Growers, makers, producers, and businesses creating local products;
• Supporters such as retailers, restaurants, accommodations, and others who distribute these products;
• Organizations and individuals offering financial or in-kind support and sharing Island Good’s values;
• And of course, you, the customer, purchasing Island Good products either directly or through participating supporters.

Island Good is more than a brand that helps you find and buy products made on Vancouver Island and the rural islands. As a social enterprise, it also focuses on building a strong, supportive local economy and community by bringing together everyone involved, from growers to retailers to customers, to celebrate and promote the value of local goods.

Local Businesses Making an Impact

And there is lots to celebrate! When we visit Island Good producers, we’re constantly amazed by their collaboration, ingenuity, and passion. These community-minded entrepreneurs care deeply about the places they live and work. Take, for example:

• Antidote Distilling in Port Alberni, which uses locally foraged spruce tips from Forest for Dinner in their spirits.
• Eugene’s Greek Food, running a May campaign to donate 25 cents to the BC Cancer Foundation for every container of hummus and tzatziki sold.
• Nikkei Ramen-ya in Courtenay, which makes ramen building blocks and kits from scratch while providing a living wage to all employees.
• Tree Island Yogurt in Cumberland, sourcing milk from local dairy farmers, with a long-standing partnership with the Comox Valley Food Bank.
• Fawcett Mattress, made with healthy, sustainable, and natural materials you can trust.
• Country Grocer, with a strong mandate to support local farmers.

The list goes on. Every purchase does so much more than you think. The stories are inspiring, and our Island Good members are continuously stepping up their game to bring us amazing products. When you know where something comes from—and who made it—you can feel confident in what you’re buying. Island Good helps foster that connection.

Join the Movement

Island Good invites everyone to explore the wealth of Island-made products available locally. Look for the Island Good logo, the mark of quality, sustainability, and community commitment.

To learn more and find Island-made products near you, visit www.islandgood.ca.

Link to full story in the Nanaimo News Now