Local Food and Agriculture

So, what is Vaughan doing to support the agri-food network? The City is committed to support the agri-food network by collaborating with local community groups and experts to deliver the following:

1. Stewardship and transformation: create connections with local urban agriculture organizations to provide residents with opportunities to learn and engage, and creating a network of community gardens which allow residents of all ages and all abilities to grow fresh food.
2. Development: promote urban agriculture through the Sustainability Metrics Program.
3. Education and promotion: support local food initiatives through education at events and on the City’s website and provide information on the health and environmental benefits of choosing local food options. Farms with specialty activations and farmer’s markets, should they choose, are also promoted by Tourism Vaughan.
4. Advocacy: participate as a member of the York Regional Food Council. The York Region Food Council works to build networks across the food system, conduct research on the York Region food system, educate through public events, advocate for policy changes that foster a healthy food system, and support the creation and implementation of food system initiatives. 

York Region Community Food Asset Map

This interactive map is designed to highlight the food-related resources and services available across York Region. Even though this map provides an overview of the food resources in the region, it’s important to note that it is a snapshot in time and not kept up to date with service hours or program changes. Additionally, not all services mapped are open to the public. For those seeking food supports like food banks or community meals, please visit 211 Ontario or call/text 2-1-1. 

Food is vital – it nourishes us, supports active lifestyles and brings people together – and when we buy local food, we help to create vibrant, resilient communities.

Local is better! The benefits include:

• Support for local economic growth by supporting local farmers and businesses.
• More nutritious food due to produce being fresher at consumption (less travel).
• Social responsibility through the connection with local farms, green houses, and community organizations to ensure fair working conditions, including migrant workers.
• Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to reduced transportation distances

Tips for buying local:

• Visit local farms and farmer’s markets. Visit York Farm Fresh for locations across York Region or download the York Farm Fresh Map. Also visit Greenbelt Fresh or Ontario Fresh to locate fresh and local food in Ontario.
• Look for the Foodland Ontario logo when shopping at grocery stores;
• Plant your own backyard garden or volunteer for a Community Garden in the City.
• Check out the Foodland Ontario Availability Guide so you know what's in season!

Provincial Planning Statement 

Ontario’s Provincial Planning Statement, 2024, is a province-wide land use planning policy framework that sets out policies to guide land use development in the Province of Ontario. The plan helps municipalities fosters a long-term viability of rural areas and protects agricultural lands, the environment, public health and safety. 

Greenbelt Area

Ontario’s Greenbelt lands encompass protected natural heritage areas and productive agricultural lands (farmland). The Greenbelt Area covers more than 2 million acres of land – bigger than the Province of Prince Edward Island!

The Greenbelt is worth protecting! Explore the Greenbelt to find fresh and local food! It provides:

• Habitat to 78 Species at Risk including wildlife, flora and fauna,
• Clean drinking water by protecting 108,629 hectares of small lakes, wetlands, rivers and streams that feed into the Great Lakes,
• Employment and income to 5,500 farms,
• 10,000 km of trails for everyone to enjoy, and
• Forests that create cleaner air as it stores enough carbon to offset the emissions from 27 million cars in 1 year.

Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Area

The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan ("The Plan") covers 190,203 hectares of natural heritage areas in Ontario. The Plan is known for abundant aquifers that provide clean, cool water to many streams. The Plan protects clean and abundant water resources; healthy and diverse plant and animal habitat; and productive agricultural areas.

• How to Grow Edible Perennial Plants
• How to Start a Food Sharing Club
• How to Freeze Fruits and Vegetables
• Five Ways to End Food Waste
• Safe Home Canning 101 - Video
• Five Types of Gardens - Urban Growers*
• Gardening Misconceptions - Urban Growers*
• Edible Plants - Urban Growers*

*The Urban Growers are a group of four university students passionate about the environment and their communities. Visit Urban Growers to learn more.