North Island College and the Salvation Army in Port Alberni have teamed up on a program that's helping seniors while giving culinary students valuable hands-on experience.

The partnership began in January after the Salvation Army identified a food security need at Pioneer Towers, a seniors' housing complex, and connected with NIC's Culinary Arts program.

Students now use flour donated by the Salvation Army to bake bread, buns, scones, muffins, cookies, and other items as part of their classroom training and production for the Bistro on NIC's Port Alberni campus.

Any surplus baked goods left over at the end of the day are donated to seniors at Pioneer Towers through the Salvation Army's weekday food truck.

The college says the program helps reduce food waste, keeps supply costs down for the Culinary Arts program, gives students practical experience, and provides fresh baked goods to seniors who need them.

NIC says the partnership is giving students a chance to see how their skills can make a meaningful difference in the community while helping address food insecurity among a vulnerable population.

For more information, visit North Island College.