From farm to foodbank, City Farms plays an important role in building community through growing fresh, healthy food for donation, improving food security for Edmontonians.
Dig into City Farms
Five acres of land at Old Man Creek tree nursery is tended by staff and volunteers who work together to plant, weed and harvest the crops, cultivating both healthy food and learning opportunities.
Volunteers learn practical farming skills through hands-on experience. Over the season, partners at Edmonton’s Food Bank help collect and distribute the food to Edmontonians who need it most.
A variety of crops are grown, including micro greens, tomatoes, swiss chard, kale, corn, carrots, beets, several varieties of squash, pumpkins and zucchini.
City Farm’s Vision
Healthier people, communities and ecosystems through co-creating a food-empowered Edmonton.
In alignment with the City of Edmonton’s FRESH: Food and Urban Agriculture Strategy and the rollout of Urban Farms, we aim to provide Edmontonians resources to encourage development of community led urban farming and community gardening sites. This future, robust, local food system will help to reduce emissions, waste and energy consumption while also creating attractive and unique spaces for Edmontonians.
City Farms is seeking more volunteers and partners to join our sprouting community. From farm to food bank:
- Develop skills to start your own urban farm or community garden
- Get involved in food empowerment and community building
- Learn about urban food production and sustainability
- Apply your skills and be a part of growing something meaningful
Group bookings and events are closed, but we are happy to add you to the waitlist.
Please email Cityfarms@edmonton.ca to be added to our volunteer list.
Project Background
City Farms began as a pilot program in May 2020, when the land was repurposed to help Edmontonians access safe and affordable food. What began as a response to addressing increased food bank needs, has grown into a program that also offers Edmontonians tools to address additional causes of food insecurity.
Since the program started, City Farms has harvested and donated over 253,471 lbs to Edmonton’s Food Bank and has hosted over 250 volunteers.
fresh - Edmonton's Food and Urban Agriculture Strategy
The strategy guides Edmonton towards the vision of a “resilient food and agriculture system that contributes to the local economy and the overall cultural, financial, social and environmental sustainability of the city.