DISCOVER WATERLOO REGION'S THRIVING FOOD SYSTEM
Eat. grow. give.
Waterloo Region has an abundance of farms, markets, community gardens, and innovative programs that help people access good food. This site will help you explore the many different ways to be part of this thriving food system by buying, growing and eating local, as well as volunteering or donating to community food initiatives.Â
Farms & Producers
Local food is fresh, flavourful and nutrient dense. Eating local supports farm families and the economy, and reduces environmental impacts. It also helps to ensure a resilient food system that is less dependent on international supply chains. Waterloo Region has hundreds of farms and other food producers working to feed our community. Everything from fruit, vegetables, and meat to specialty items like cultivated mushrooms is available through farm stands, community supported agriculture (CSA’s), and small retailers.Â
markets & co-ops
Farmers’ markets and co-ops are important elements in creating a resilient and sustainable food system in Waterloo Region. These markets offer a way for local producers to sell directly to consumers, and give consumers access to a range of local products in one place. Co-ops and community-run markets let individuals directly shape their food systems to meet local needs, promoting more equitable and flexible ways to access food. Waterloo Region is home to a variety of in person and online markets, providing access to local food year round.
Community gardens
Community gardens bring people together and provide opportunities for both recreational gardening and food production, turning underutilized spaces into a vital part of local food systems. They also help to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to local biodiversity. Waterloo Region is home to over 100 shared garden spaces, where people come together to grow a variety of vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers. These gardens are run by churches, neighborhood associations, non-profit organizations, municipalities, and other groups.Â
Food Access & sharing
Food sharing and food access resources build community resilience, fostering a culture of cooperation and support among neighbors. In Waterloo Region, these programs and networks allow community members to share resources, skills, and time to ensure everyone’s needs are met, especially in times of crisis. Examples include community food centers, foodsharing, pay-what-you-can, social pricing, and food banks, which work to ensure that food and other essentials are accessible to those in need. By pooling resources and helping one another, food sharing strengthens social ties, promotes equity, and creates a more robust and self-sufficient community.
by the numbers
growing a healthy food system
%
of farms in the region sell direct to consumers (2021)
agencies and community programs are part of Waterloo Region’s Community Food Assistance Network
people in Waterloo Region are on wait lists for community garden plots
stories from our food system
Making a difference
Anishnabeg Outreach
Anishnabeg Outreach’s Spirit Garden for Everyone is a 17-acre farm dedicated to promoting reconciliation and enhancing local food security for Indigenous families.
Kitchener market
Kitchener Market has been a gathering place for over 150 years, with a food hall, year-round Saturday farmers’ market, and events for all ages.Â
mobile food market
The Mobile Food Market is a weekly produce market that brings fresh and affordable food to neighbourhoods in Cambridge and North Dumfries. Â
Nurture
The Nurture program increases healthy food access for youth, by youth, supporting youth-designed and tended Food Forest gardens at schools.
Petersburg garden
The Petersburg garden addresses food insecurity by providing equitable access to farm land for local organizations and individuals, many of them new Canadians.
The caring mushroom
The Caring Mushroom brings the unique flavors and health benefits of gourmet mushrooms to your kitchen, while supporting sustainability and community.
How You Can Help
community engagement
Besides buying local food or growing your own, there are lots of ways to support the local food system.
volunteer
Giving your time and skills to a local food organization is one way to contribute to your community in a meaningful way.
donate
In addition to monetary donations, organizations may accept food donations, gardening equipment or other items.
Learn
Increasing your own understanding of the issues involved is a first step in creating a sustainable and resilient food system.
Supported By
This project has been developed in partnership with a number of organizations committed to creating a healthy, just, sustainable and resilient food system. Funding support has been provided by Community Foundations of Canada and the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative. Technical and design support for this project is provided by Open Food Network Canada.
