COVID-19 (Coronavirus): help get and give food

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way many people get food, operate food businesses, and offer food programming. Browse below for information applicable to residents, food businesses, and non-profit organizations.

Residents

Access free and low cost food
Find locations to access free and low-cost groceries and meals, including food banks, on this map, available in online or print-friendly format:
- Online: Free and low cost food programs map
- Print-friendly maps:
  - Free and low cost food services map (929 KB)
  - Services alimentaires gratuits ou à bas prix (Free and low cost food services map in French) (488 KB)
These maps are updated regularly with current food program information. Changes we are notified of are updated daily on the online map, and print-friendly versions are updated approximately monthly. Sign up to get an email when the map is updated by choosing Food Map on our subscription form.

To provide feedback on these maps, contact foodpolicy@vancouver.ca.
Get food safety answers
Access grocery stores
Grocery stores are identified by the Province of BC as essential services. They are open and being restocked on a regular basis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you're able:
- Offer to get groceries for your vulnerable neighbours and friends.
- Get your groceries in person. Many online grocery delivery services are operating at capacity so leave those services open to vulnerable residents who need it most. 
Eat in or take-out from a restaurant
Shop at a farmers market

Farmers markets are identified by the Province of BC as an essential service. They are allowed to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vendors and employees are taking precautions to limit the spread of infections and are functioning solely as access points for fresh and prepared foods. Find out more about farmers markets in Vancouver

Shop Vancouver Farmers Markets online orders to browse a real-time product list from vendors, place orders, and pre-pay for pick-up or delivery.

Visit a farmers market in person
Join a community garden
The Province of BC has identified community gardens as an essential service, which means they are allowed to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in a community garden setting:
- Practice proper physical distancing by keeping at least 2 m from others
- Bring the necessary supplies from home (hand sanitizer, water, soap, towels) to clean your hands
- Bring your own gloves and tools from home, do not use any shared tools or gloves
- Disinfect all touch points before and after use
- Organize a schedule for members to tend to their gardens at certain times of the day to regulate the number of people in the garden
- Stay home if you are feeling sick
Download COVID-19 gardening safety tips poster (2 MB)

Find community gardens in Vancouver
Grow food to sell or buy from urban farms
Offer help in the community

Food businesses

Non-profit organizations

Minimize risk in community-based food programs

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) provides guidance for preparing and serving meals to the public in community-based food programs such as free and low-cost meal programs.

Find VCH recommendations on minimizing COVID-19 risk for community-based food programs

If you run a food program and require additional guidance on re-opening or modifying your program due to COVID-19, contact VCH for assistance .
Offer support

COVID-19 (Coronavirus): help get and give food

Residents

Access free and low cost food

Get food safety answers

Access grocery stores

Eat in or take-out from a restaurant

Shop at a farmers market

Join a community garden

Grow food to sell or buy from urban farms

Offer help in the community

Food businesses

Non-profit organizations

Minimize risk in community-based food programs

Offer support

Subscribe to updates about food policy

Contact information, partner agencies, and website policies