Food & Community Gardens

Led by the Renfrew-Collingwood Food Justice (RCFJ) team, CNH food programs strive to promote learning and leadership around sustainable growing, local food, multicultural food traditions, and healthy eating in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood.

To learn more, call 604-435-0323 or email foodsecurity@cnh.bc.ca. Follow RCFJ on Instagram @rencollfood or sign up for email updates.

Ongoing Programs

Renfrew-Collingwood Food Hub

As part of United Way Regional Community Food Hubs, we offer programs that support community members’ access to low-cost food options and increased food knowledge, while supporting small businesses and farmers.

For questions, call 604-435-0323 or email foodhub@cnh.bc.ca.

  • Community Care Harvest Box (CCHB) & Market
    The Community Care Harvest Box (CCHB) is a subscription to a local farm’s harvests from spring to fall. The cost of a harvest box helps to subsidize subscriptions for low-income participants. Additionally, we host a small market with a pay-what-you-can table for individuals who have not subscribed to the harvest box. 
  • Community Fridge
    We have an outdoor community fridge and pantry to offer accessible, free and healthy food to all community members. The fridge is located outside the front entrance of CNH Main Site. There is no judgement, or policing of community members because the food is for everyone.

  • Free Food Program
    Thursdays, 12 – 12:45 pm
    Each week, we assist local residents who require food support by making free food available at CNH.

     

  • Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program (FMNCP)
    The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program is a healthy eating initiative that supports farmers’ markets and strengthens food security across British Columbia. CNH participates by providing coupons to lower income families, pregnant people and seniors. Coupons can be spent at BC Farmers’ Markets that participate in the coupon program, and can be used to purchase vegetables, fruits, nuts, eggs, dairy, herbs, vegetable and fruit plants, honey, meat and fish.

Food Lands

  • Cheyenne Community Garden & Collingwood Community Garden
    Cheyenne Community Garden plots & Collingwood Garden plots are rented out to local residents in the neighbourhood and gardens act as community gathering spaces to foster community food security. Cheyenne garden is located at 2755 Cheyenne ave and the collingwood garden is located under the Joyce-Collingwood Skytrain station on Vanness Ave.
    To join the waitlist for a community garden plot, email gwampold@cnh.bc.ca.
     
  • Norquay Community Food Forest
    RCFJ supports and stewards the Norquay Community Food Forest. The Food Forest is a hidden gem nestled between houses at 2732 Horley St. It is home to a variety of fruit-bearing, edible, and medicinal native plants as well as a composter, a swing, and a seating area for events and workshops.

  • CNH Rooftop Garden
    The rooftop garden at CNH is embellished with a community mosaic and is home to raised beds growing a variety of vegetables, fruit, native plants and herbs. Many of these vegetables and herbs are used in community lunch and sold at the pay-what-you-can table during our summer market. Currently, drop-ins are closed due to renovations.


Food Literacy & Connections

  • Community Food Advisory Committee
    Join a dedicated group of local volunteers for bi-monthly conversations about food justice, advocacy and community meetings. For more information, contact Ryan Ng at rng@cnh.bc.ca or fill out an application form (via Google Forms).
     
  • Community Kitchen for Newcomers
    Explore collective cooking, learn from neighbours, and share food traditions through this monthly program every last Wednesday of the month. Registration required and priority is given to newcomers to Canada (received Permanent Resident status within the last 5 years). For more information, contact Grace Wampold at gwampold@cnh.bc.ca.
     
  • Community Lunch
    Join us for one of our three-course meals, which offer a nutritious, healthy and affordable lunch. Meals are prepared by our community kitchen chef, along with regular volunteers. For questions, email Jenny Shen at jshen@cnh.bc.ca or call 604-435-0375.
     
  • Food Skills Workshops
    We offer a variety of food skills workshops throughout the year. Learn how to make pickles and preserves, kimchi, fresh bread, and more! Workshop dates and costs vary.
     
  • Joyce Street Action Network
    Have an eye for urban food planning and a passion for cultural food assets? Join this dynamic coalition of community organizations, students, unions, and neighbours advocating for cultural food assets and anti-gentrification along Joyce Street.