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 ext. 237 or email foodsecurity@cnh.bc.ca. Follow RCFJ on Instagram @rencollfood.
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Ongoing Programs
Renfrew-Collingwood Food Hub
- Community Care Harvest Box (CCHB) & Market
Community Care Harvest Box (CCHB), also known as Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), is a direct relationship between farmers and community members that involves a subscription to a farm’s harvests. For some, the price of fresh vegetables, let alone a local CCHB share, is out of reach. By paying a little extra for your CCHB share, you subsidize the cost of a neighbour’s share. Additionally, we provide a Pay-What-You-Can table for individuals who are not subscribed to CCHB. The funds collected from your payment for these items are used to further subsidize the cost of a neighbour’s share. For more information, please contact foodhub@cnh.bc.ca
- 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. For more information, please contact foodhub@cnh.bc.ca - Free Food Program
Every Thursday between 12:00 pm and 12:45 pm, we host the Thursday Food Drop program. This initiative is designed to assist local residents who require food support. For more information, please contact foodhub@cnh.bc.ca
- Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program (FMNCP)
The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program (FMNCP) is a healthy eating initiative that supports farmers’ markets and strengthens food security across British Columbia. RCFJ is one of the partner organizations and provides coupons to lower-income families, pregnant people and seniors. Coupons can be spent at all BCAFM member farmers’ markets that participate in the FMNCP, and can be used to purchase vegetables, fruits, nuts, eggs, dairy, herbs, vegetable & fruit plants, honey, meat and fish. For more information, please contact foodhub@cnh.bc.ca
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. - 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.