Cultivating Community: How Calgary's Food Action Plan is Growing a Healthier City 

Have you ever wondered where your food really comes from or how Calgary is stepping up to support local, fresh eats? Maybe you've even toyed with the idea of growing your own food, but weren’t quite sure where to begin. Here’s the good news:  Calgary is buzzing with real action that's helping build a healthier, more sustainable, and more connected community.

Right at the center of it all is The City of Calgary Food Action Plan, better known as CalgaryEATS! Read more here. This isn’t just some government paperwork collecting dust. It’s a living, evolving game plan that builds on grassroots efforts to help Calgarians reconnect with their food, reduce waste, and build stronger community ties.

Let’s break down some of the ways Calgary is bringing this vision to life—and how you can be part of it.


USE OUR QUICK NAVIGATION GUIDE BELOW TO JUMP TO ANY POINT OF The Real Impact of CalgaryEATS in Our Communities:  Planting Roots 


Nurturing Growth: Opportunities to Grow Local Food 

Calgary is making it easier (and way more exciting) to grow your own food, right here in the city. The Food Action Plan focuses on expanding the spaces where food can be grown and sold—which ultimately makes it more accessible to everyone.

Get Growing in Community Gardens

Community gardens are a big deal—and for good reason. They boost neighborhood wellness and bring people together. The City backs new garden spaces on public land and helps keep existing ones thriving. Explore Calgary's food resilience strategies.

Thinking of starting one in your neighborhood? Just reach out to 311 to get the process rolling. If it gets the green light, you might even get up to $5,000 in in-kind support from The City. That’s a solid kickstart!

Urban Farming: From Pilot Projects to New Beginnings

Urban farming is catching on fast. The Highfield Farm Urban Agriculture Pilot Project paved the way, prompting changes to the Land Use Bylaw and opening doors for short-term leases on vacant City land.

Here are a few amazing projects born from this momentum:

  • Land of Dreams Farm (2017): A healing space in Southeast Calgary for newcomers to Canada. It fosters connection with Indigenous communities, local land, and farming traditions.

  • Vacant Lots Farm Club (2024): This non-profit transforms unused spaces into gardens brimming with food and flowers. Membership is free, and you earn rewards for helping out.

  • Auburn Bay Community Farm (2019-2022): Though it wrapped up in its original form, this mobile farm gave neighbors a hands-on role in food production.

And it’s not just about outdoor space. Calgary is also welcoming indoor commercial food production—think hydroponics, aquaponics, and even urban insect farming—by streamlining operations in Industrial and Commercial zones.

Growing at Home: Your Backyard & Beyond

You don’t need a big plot or community space to make a difference. Your backyard, balcony, or even kitchen windowsill can be a launchpad for fresh herbs, fruits, and veggies. Raised beds, vertical gardens, and greenhouses all make it possible.

Thinking about planting on your boulevard? Since that’s technically City land, you’ll want to contact 311 to understand the process and get the necessary go-ahead.

Urban Livestock: Hens and Bees

Thinking about going beyond the garden? Calgary’s got your back with urban livestock programs that let you raise hens or keep bees—right at home. 

Imagine collecting fresh eggs in the morning from your own hens or helping local ecosystems thrive by supporting pollinators with urban beekeeping. These aren't just fun hobbies—they're part of a sustainable lifestyle Calgary is making easier to access.

Check Out Calgary’s Urban Hen Program

Whether you're planting lettuce in a raised bed or gathering eggs from your hens, growing your own food in Calgary has never been more achievable—or more rewarding. These urban initiatives give you the chance to build resilience, save money, and eat fresher, all from the comfort of your home.

Let’s talk about the bees—yes, the real MVPs of any thriving garden community. In community gardens like those found in Rangeview, pollinators like bees play a huge role in keeping the ecosystem healthy and productive. These little workers help fruit trees blossom, vegetables grow, and flowers bloom across the neighbourhood. Whether you're growing your own herbs or just enjoying the buzz of life around you, having bees in the mix brings everything full circle. It’s just one more reason why this garden-to-table lifestyle works so beautifully.  Visit this page to discover the urban bee keeping programs in Calgary for bee hives and bee keepers.  You can also see what the community of Canyon Meadows has created with their Canyon Meadows Bee Boulevard!

Fresh Food for All: Enhancing Access to Nutritious Options

Everyone should have access to fresh, nutritious food—no exceptions. Calgary is making strides to make that a reality.

The Farm Stand Program: Bringing Local Closer

With over 30 locations around the city, the Farm Stand Program connects residents with local produce straight from nearby farms. It’s not just about buying food—it’s about learning recipes, chatting with neighbors, and supporting local growers.

New sites added in 2025 include Valley Ridge, Discovery Ridge, Penbrooke Meadows, and more. Want to host or become a vendor? Check out Calgary.ca/localfood.

Diverse Local Food Sourcing

Beyond farm stands, there are plenty of ways to support local food:

  • Hit up your favorite farmers' markets (80% of their products must be locally made!)

  • Sign up for a CSA or farm box subscription.

  • Take the family on a U-pick farm adventure around Calgary.

Addressing Food Security

From emergency food programs to community kitchens, the City is serious about tackling food insecurity. Initiatives like the Community Kitchen Program of Calgary offer skills and resources to cook healthy, affordable meals.

And they’re not stopping there—they’re also redesigning neighborhoods to reduce "food deserts" and improve access to grocery options.

Wasting Less, Gaining More: Food Waste Reduction

Here’s a stat that might surprise you: the average household wastes about $2,000 worth of food every year. That’s a lot of potential meals in the bin.

Calgary is fighting back with free education programs and community partnerships. Programs like "Spill the Beans" and "Seed to Table" teach everything from smart shopping to preserving and growing your own food.

Simple steps like meal planning, checking your pantry before shopping, and learning the difference between "best before" and "expiry" dates can go a long way in saving money and reducing waste.

Weaving Connections: Community and Partnerships

None of this happens in a vacuum. Calgary’s Food Action Plan is powered by partnerships with groups like the Calgary Food Committee, Calgary Horticultural Society, and Green Calgary.

Take Rangeview, Calgary’s first Garden-to-Table community. It weaves food production into everyday life with gardens, educational programs, food events, and more. This is what Agricultural Urbanism looks like in action.

The Calgary Horticultural Society has been sharing knowledge for over 115 years, while Green Calgary offers in-home sustainability tips like composting and reducing waste. These partnerships are the backbone of real change.

Discover Rangeview: Calgary's First Garden-to-Table Community

If you're looking for a neighbourhood that blends beauty, community, and sustainability, let me introduce you to Rangeview — Calgary's first garden-to-table community.

As someone deeply involved in Calgary real estate, I can confidently say that Rangeview offers a lifestyle that's unlike anything else in Alberta. This isn't just about owning a home; it's about being part of a vibrant, thriving community where food, nature, and connection take center stage.

A Neighbourhood Designed to Grow With You

At Rangeview, every resident has the chance to participate in a garden-to-table lifestyle. Whether you're an avid gardener or just someone who enjoys a fresh, home-cooked meal, there's a place for you here. The community is designed around the idea that food brings people together. From shared gardens and seasonal workshops to outdoor kitchens and harvest celebrations, Rangeview creates opportunities to engage, connect, and celebrate the seasons.

The best part? You don’t need a green thumb to enjoy life here. Growing a garden is always optional. Maybe you prefer joining community dinners, taking in the neighbourhood's blooming beauty, or simply watching your kids play while you sip locally brewed coffee. The point is—you belong here, whether you're planting carrots or just enjoying the vibe.

A Community Rooted in Purpose: Garden Types in Rangeview

Rangeview’s landscape is more than just green—it’s purposefully planted to support learning, sharing, and connection. Here’s a breakdown of the garden spaces you’ll find woven throughout the community: 

  • Demonstration Gardens
    These gardens are thoughtfully managed by community coordinators to showcase gardening best practices. Think of them as hands-on classrooms where residents can learn new skills, explore seasonal techniques, and grow their confidence—whether they’re just getting started or looking to level up.

  • Community Gardens
    Built on collaboration, these shared spaces invite neighbours to roll up their sleeves and garden together. Residents work side by side, growing vegetables, fruits, and herbs while building friendships and food security one row at a time.

  • Food Forests & Edible Gardens
    Inspired by nature, these low-maintenance gardens mimic natural ecosystems. They’re layered with fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, perennial vegetables, and herbs—designed to provide abundance over time with minimal intervention.

  • Kitchen Gardens
    These smaller plots are focused on growing fresh, quick-harvest produce that ends up right on your plate. Perfect for anyone who loves cooking with just-picked herbs, greens, or tomatoes still warm from the sun.

  • Allotment Gardens
    Individual plots are available to residents who want to dig into their own space and grow food at their own pace. Whether you’re tending to heirloom tomatoes or experimenting with squash, these gardens give you the freedom to grow your own way.

Beyond the Backyard: Specialty Growing Spaces

Rangeview doesn’t stop at raised beds and backyard planters. This is a community that thinks bigger—where the HOA curates a collection of specialized growing zones designed to support a thriving, year-round food ecosystem. These aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re essential parts of the Rangeview lifestyle.

  • Community Orchards 
    Scattered throughout the neighbourhood, these food-producing groves are home to a mix of fruit and nut trees. Whether it’s apples in the fall or hazelnuts in the late summer, these shared orchards offer seasonal harvests and a deeper connection to the land.

  • Pollinator-Friendly Gardens
    Packed with nectar-rich blooms and native wildflowers, these vibrant spaces exist to support Calgary’s essential pollinators—bees, butterflies, and beyond. They play a key role in keeping the entire ecosystem buzzing and balanced.

  • Three-Season Greenhouse
    Calgary’s growing season can be short—but not in Rangeview. The greenhouse provides a climate-controlled environment for starting seedlings early, growing tender crops, and experimenting with plants that need a little extra protection from Alberta’s unpredictable weather.

Together, these spaces transform Rangeview into more than a garden-to-table community—they make it a living, growing, all-seasons experience.

Why It Matters

In a fast-paced world, Rangeview offers something rare: a chance to slow down and reconnect. This garden-to-table lifestyle encourages healthier living, stronger community ties, and a deeper appreciation for where our food comes from. It's not just a trend—it's a shift in how we live, and Rangeview is leading the way.

Join the Food Movement!

We all have a role to play in Calgary’s food future. Whether you're planting tomatoes in your backyard or shopping at a local farm stand, every action helps.

Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Check out local farmers’ markets and the Farm Stand Program.

  • Start your own garden or join a community one.

  • Dive into waste reduction programs like "Food for Thought."

  • Ask your favorite restaurants and stores about their local food sourcing.

Together, we can grow a stronger, healthier Calgary—one bite at a time.

Want to learn more or get involved? Let’s talk and explore more by clicking on City of Calgary's "Calgary Eats' action plan image below!


Dusko Sremac - Calgary REALTOR®

Dusko Sremac – Calgary & Area REALTOR®

Dusko Sremac isn’t just selling homes—he’s helping people plug into a lifestyle rooted in connection, sustainability, and growth. With a deep understanding of Calgary’s evolving communities like Rangeview, Dusko supports buyers looking to live with purpose—whether it’s in a garden-to-table neighbourhood or a home surrounded by nature. From urban farming trends to smart green living, he brings real estate insight grounded in what really matters.

Cell: 403-988-0033   |   Email: dusko@repyyc.com   |   Instagram: @DuskoSremac_REPYYC

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