Island Health says two North Island programs are helping people living with mental health and substance use challenges build confidence, job skills and community connections through culinary training.

The Peppermill program in the Comox Valley combines kitchen training with frozen meal production, giving participants hands-on experience while preparing affordable meals for other mental health and substance use clients.

Island Health says about 80-percent of participants complete the program, with many moving into supportive employment or finding jobs in the food service industry.

Some graduates even return as paid kitchen helpers and mentors.

In Campbell River, the Dinner Bell program operates in partnership with the Salvation Army.

Led by a Red Seal chef, participants receive an hourly stipend while learning culinary skills and preparing low-cost frozen meals.

Island Health says both programs are designed to support recovery by improving employment skills, food security and social connection, while helping participants gain confidence in a supportive environment.

In Victoria, Souper Meals operates as a psychosocial rehabilitation kitchen experience.

After completing food safety training, clients attend weekly half-day shifts to learn kitchen skills while producing frozen meals sold at low cost to current mental health and substance use clients across Greater Victoria.

The health authority says people interested in the programs can speak with their Island Health mental health and substance use care team about a referral.

To learn more, visit Island Health.