A hand holding a bag full of vegetables is shown

Food systems

Access to food

Access to food is a basic human right. It can be a important part of day-to-day life and so much more. 

Access to food is part of a system that includes the people, cultures, infrastructure, and processes contributing to:

  • Food production
  • Manufacturing
  • Distribution
  • Access
  • Waste management
  • Cultural practices in the community and businesses large and small 

    About or work and how to get involved 

Food policy

Learn about our approach to food system planning, and our efforts across municipal departments to support a just and sustainable food system.

Growing food

Learn about how we support residents to grow food through community gardens and orchards, urban farming, backyard hens, and honey beekeeping.

Buying, sharing, and accessing food

Learn about options for accessing food at markets, free or low-cost food programs, and community kitchens or starting programs in your community.

Food waste prevention and reduction

We aim to keep food from going to landfills or incinerators by preventing and reducing food waste by Vancouver residents and businesses.

Sustenance Festival

Learn how we celebrate food systems through Sustenance Festival with local food-inspired workshops, exhibitions, talks, walks, and more

Urban agriculture capital improvements

We're offering a one-time funding opportunity for urban agriculture capital improvements to be completed in the 2025 growing season.

Contact us

Food Policy enquiries:
[email protected]

Gardens in parks:
[email protected]

Gardens on City land (non-park):
[email protected]

Food waste enquiries:
[email protected]

Subscribe to food policy updates

We send a quarterly newsletter, with updates on our work, food policy-related opportunities, and updates to the Free and Low Cost Food Map.

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