Food Framework

In May 2025, City Council approved the City’s Food Framework. The framework is an action plan to identify existing programs, track our progress and spot opportunities and gaps in Kingston's food system. We are working with community partners to align local food initiatives and build a food system that’s more resilient, inclusive and sustainable.

Our strategy

The Framework includes five interconnected pillars and 50 recommendations. Learn about each pillar, including examples of City programs and recommendations.

Food production supports communities through actions such as farming, fishing and food processing. It influences public health, economic stability and social well-being.

Program examples:

  • Vertical farm manufacturing and production
  • Agriculture workforce development

Recommendation examples:

  • Study the possibility of a Kingston area community food hub
  • Encourage the shift to buy locally grown foods

Food infrastructure and distribution help food get to communities in a way that is fair, efficient and sustainable. It ranges from agricultural production and storage to transportation, processing and retail systems.

Program examples:

Recommendation examples:

  • Increase awareness of sustainable food systems and encourage people to buy local food
  • Track partnerships and resources offered to farmers, food producers and food businesses

Food access refers to the availability, affordability and quality of food. It ensures that everyone, regardless of their income or where they live, can access healthy, culturally significant food.

Program examples:

Recommendation examples:

  • Review the Community Food Redistribution Warehouse model
  • Advocate for federal and provincial policies that ensure all Canadians can afford to eat healthy food
  • Engage with community leaders to better understand the cultural significance of certain foods

Food education and literacy programs give people the knowledge and skills to make informed food choices.

Program examples:

Recommendation examples:

  • Partner with local organizations to provide cooking and production space for underserved communities
  • Expand community gardens to underserved communities
  • Measure how much food is harvested and donated from community gardens

Food governance refers to the policies and regulations that guide how decisions are made within the food system.

Policy and document examples:

Recommendation examples:

  • Streamline licensing processes and reduce barriers to food production
  • Report yearly on the Food Framework goals and progress
  • Continue implementing the Climate Leadership Plan and Community Climate Adaptation Plan
  • Continue updating the Food Access map with new resources and consider locations for new initiatives

Next steps

Over time, we will update the Food Framework recommendations based on the most recent data and community needs. We will provide annual updates to City Council on the progress made on the plan.

We will continue working with community partners, leaders and individuals to ensure the Food Framework captures all aspects of Kingston’s local food system. The information gathered through program monitoring and community feedback will guide long-term planning and how we divide resources.

Contact Us

City of Kingston
City Hall
216 Ontario Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3
Canada
contactus@cityofkingston.ca
Phone: 613-546-0000

The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.

Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.

Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.