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 print-friendly map:
The map is updated regularly with current food program information. Sign up to get an email when the map is updated by choosing Food Map on our subscription form.

Free and low-cost food programs, and other supports, can also be reviewed on this Google Map maintained by Limage Media (not maintained by the City of Vancouver).
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. 
View this open-source tool (not maintained by City of Vancouver) reports on wait-times at grocery stores across the world, including Vancouver.
Eat in or take-out from a restaurant

During Phase 2 of BC’s Restart Plan, restaurants, cafes, and pubs with sufficient distancing measures are being allowed to re-open.

Heritage Vancouver

Review an interactive map and list of neighbourhood businesses (groceries, food and drink, and small retailers and services) still open during the pandemic.

Canada #TakeoutDay Campaign

April 15, 2020 marked the launch of a take-out campaign to encourage Canadians to order contactless takeout or delivery to support local restaurants and the millions of people they employ in this country. Let's make Wednesdays #TakeoutDay.

Scout Magazine

Review a map of Vancouver restaurants providing take-out services.
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 or make donations

United Way iVolunteer

Browse volunteer opportunities with a wide range of non-profit organizations providing urgent support in your community.

Vancouver Foundation’s COVID-19 Community Response Fund

Donate to provide rapid relief by getting to help community agencies on the frontline of the fight against COVID-19.

Food businesses

Non-profit organizations

Find funding and volunteers

United Way iVolunteer

Organizations that need volunteers can register to be connected with people who want to help.

Community and social service grants

City of Vancouver grants for community and social service grants for non-profit organizations.

Breakfast Club of Canada

Community organizations can apply for special grants to help ensure children and families across Canada have access to food during the crisis.

Central City Foundation

Organizations who are dedicated to helping our neighbours in need in Vancouver’s inner city can apply for up to $30,000.

Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative

Indigenous communities and governments, for-profit and non-profit organizations, and businesses can submit proposals to receive funding to increase economic development opportunities and support Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs who are ready to launch agriculture and food systems projects.
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

Subscribe to updates about food policy