Waterloo Region Local Food Directory
Encouraging engagement with an easy to use, community-generated directoryEat Local, Grow local, Give Local
Connecting residents with their local food system
OFN Canada has partnered with the Food System Roundtable of Waterloo Region to create a new resource to promote engagement with the local food system. WaterlooRegionFood.ca is a free online directory designed to connect the community with local farms, markets, and food organizations. This innovative platform goes beyond merely listing food sources; it encourages residents to actively engage in their local food system by offering ways to Eat Local, Grow Local, and Give Local.
- Eat Local: The directory provides easy access to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, farmers’ markets, and local-food focused restaurants, allowing residents to support local producers and enjoy fresh, seasonal food.
- Grow Local: Users can discover community gardens and various programs that encourage food production, empowering residents to cultivate their own food and strengthen community.
- Give Local: The platform highlights opportunities for individuals to donate or volunteer with food-focused organizations, fostering a spirit of connection and engagement.
Residents of all ages, backgrounds and needs can navigate the site to learn about their food system, explore food options, and participate in local initiatives.
Do you run a local food business or community food organization that contributes to Waterloo Region? Add yourself to the list!
The directory is designed to be community-generated, so it will continue to grow and evolve along with Waterloo Region. Creating your listing just takes a few minutes. We hope we can count you in!
Our goal with WaterlooRegionFood.ca is to create a vibrant community resource that not only helps residents find food but also deepens their connection to the local food system. As our region evolves, we want everyone to feel empowered to make choices that support local farmers, increase food security, and contribute to the health of our diverse community.
stories from the community
video profiles of local organizations
In addition to building the directory, we worked with documentary videography Craig Conoley of CELLEBRATE to produce video profiles of six businesses and programs. Ranging from a gourmet mushroom farmer in Kitchener to an innovative pay-what-you-can Mobile Food Market in Cambridge, the profiles highlight the diversity that makes up the area’s food system. They also celebrate the vision and dedication of those working to ensure residents have access to affordable, healthy, local food.
spreading the word
waterloo region food directory in the media
Cambridge Today
New online food directory connects people to local food producers ~ Joe McGinty, Oct 2024
“The new online food directory in Waterloo region is giving farm-to-table a new meaning.”
CBC Kitchener-Waterloo
Explore local with the Waterloo Region Food Directory ~ Jasmine Mangalaseril, Nov 2024
“From community gardens to award-winning cheese makers to restaurants and organizations focusing on food waste reduction or distributing food hampers, the Waterloo region food scene is vast. And now, there’s a new local food resource that aims to capture that breadth.”
Funding support has been provided by Community Foundations of Canada and the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative.
