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PHABC and FBBC acknowledge with deep gratitude that we live, work, and learn on the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples across what is now known as British Columbia. As an organization working at the intersection of public health, environmental stewardship, and community well-being, we are grateful that the land and waters has been cared for since time immemorial by diverse Nations whose sovereignty, cultures, and ways of knowing continue to shape these territories today. We recognize that our work goes beyond the places we live and impacts the lives of nations across British Columbia and Turtle Island.
Food Systems transformation refers to efforts being made to transform mainstream food systems to be more just, equitable, sustainable, and resilient. These projects aim to advance community food security, enhance local food sovereignty, and foster collaboration across sectors to build a healthier and more inclusive food system for all.
There is a growing demand for food access programs due to rising poverty rates, increased costs of living, and the ongoing climate crisis. This rise is expected to continue given the increased number of food insecure households, increased number visits to food banks, and rising cost of food in BC.
Community food systems transformation is a complex topic, and we wanted to make it more digestible through the use of visuals. The icons you see below shows the different processes of community food systems transformation, from growing to composting.
We’re excited to invite you to a regional virtual gathering where we’ll dive into two key reports—Activating the Food Access Sector and (Re)Defining Dignified Food Access in BC. Each webinar is tailored to highlight priorities, challenges and opportunities specific to your health region. This is an opportunity to connect with others across the food system:…
Keep readingThis is reposted from Richard Han’s original LinkedIn post with permission. As one of PHABC’s largest public grantmaking initiatives, this process has been an incredible learning journey. I was deeply inspired by the power of community — witnessing how much can be achieved with so little, through creativity, tenacity, and sheer determination. Along the way,…
Keep readingPHABC and FBBC commends the Provincial Government’s $2 million investment towards food-access challenges in rural, remote and First Nations communities. Summary Victoria, B.C., June 10, 2025 – The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction has invested $2 million towards food-access challenges in rural, remote and First Nations communities. The Public Health Association of BC (PHABC)…
Keep readingPHABC and FBBC expresses our sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction for its commitment to improving the lives of British Columbians experiencing food insecurity.
The “Community Food Systems Development in BC: Activating the Food Access Sector” report explores the diverse ways in which food access organizations in British Columbia (BC) are addressing immediate hunger and building capacity across the food access landscape to foster local food systems transformation.
This project identified that British Columbia’s unique geography, diverse populations, varying climates and different community conditions foster distinct advantages and specific hurdles in developing equitable and dignified food systems.
This “(Re)Defining Dignified Food Access in BC: What we learned from community members” report delves into the concept of dignified food access in British Columbia, exploring how various food access organizations are working to create welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environments.
The study highlights the importance of quality food choices, community connections, and advocacy in addressing food insecurity and promoting long-term food self-sufficiency.
Community Food Systems Development:
Supported by the Government of BC and Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, the Public Health Association of BC (PHABC) and Food Banks BC (FBBC) are working in partnership to strengthen the food systems sector in BC and increase capacity of food-access organizations through a multipronged strategy that involves a combination of knowledge gathering efforts, networking and various streams of grant-making.
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