Food Team
Our food systems have far reaching impacts on our health, environment, communities and well-being.
Under Canada’s current food system, not all people have access to healthy and sustainable foods. At the same time, many who work in the food system struggle to make ends meet and steward the lands that feed us. Meanwhile, our agriculture and livestock industries currently make up 10% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions and pose a major threat to biodiversity.
SPEC’s Food Team envisions a new food culture in Metro Vancouver in which food that is sustainably and justly produced is attainable for all through means that conserve biodiversity and ecological functions on farmlands, reduce food waste, strengthen and revitalize Indigenous food systems, and support community climate action and resilience.
To reach this vision, SPEC’s Food Team works through community programs that engage children, teachers, communities, farmers, NGOs, vulnerable populations, businesses and government officials in learning about and supporting sustainable food systems. We envision and advocate for progressive policies and practices, while influencing individual actions through awareness and education.
Current Programs
School Gardens Program
Food gardens and environmental education for K-12 schools and communities.
Farmland Ecosystem Services Program
Increasing resiliency and ecosystem services for small-scale farmers.
Nature School
Online learning hub for students (K-7) to learn about our growing environment.
Past Projects
Supporting Local Food Systems
In 2024, SPEC, with support from Metro Vancouver, created an infographic called Supporting Local Food Systems. It shows a map of the Metro Vancouver region alongside highlights of SPEC’s three main food programs:
School Gardens Program (green): Helps children learn by growing food at school, gives access to fresh, healthy food, and supports biodiversity on school grounds.
Farmland Ecosystem Services Program (blue): Works with small farms to improve soil health, protect biodiversity, share knowledge, and adapt to climate change.
Farm-to-Plate Marketplace (red): A community-run, pay-what-you-can online farmers market that supports local food producers, builds trust, and strengthens communities.
The map is marked with colored dots showing where these programs are making an impact across the Lower Mainland. Each color matches one of the programs.
With simple illustrations and a clear layout, the infographic makes it easy to see how SPEC is helping schools, farmers, and communities work together for a healthier, more sustainable food system.
