Fresh Roots Urban Farm Society

Over the past decade, Fresh Roots has cultivated learning and leadership among countless children and youth to learn about land and food systems, build leadership skills, and grow confidence. We have designed and delivered meaningful food literacy and farming experiences, youth-made meals, strengthened connections between schools and food systems, provided tens of thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables to our community, and played a central role as a community builder. As part of the Coalition for Healthy School Food, we have been leaders in advocacy efforts for the National School Food program and many local food justice initiatives. We are deeply proud of what Fresh Roots has built and the impact it has had.

Like many community-based non-profits, Fresh Roots has faced ongoing sustainability challenges that were compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and reduced operational funding available. After careful consideration of what our resources can realistically support, the Board of Directors has made the painful decision to wind down Fresh Roots Urban Farm Society.

We know this news brings sadness and loss. We intend to wind down responsibly and with care. This includes acknowledging the grief of this moment, supporting our staff through the transition, and honouring the legacy of the organization and the community it has built.

As part of the wind-down process, we are actively exploring opportunities for some programs and assets to find new organizational homes. This includes conversations with potential partners about programs, farm sites, tools, and equipment. While outcomes are not guaranteed, we are committed to doing this work thoughtfully and transparently.

We love Fresh Roots’ programs and are deeply proud of the impact they have had. While Fresh Roots as an organization will be closing, our focus is on ensuring that the values, relationships, and approaches developed over the past decade continue to live on through the work of others, where possible.

Fresh Roots sprouted from a profound belief in the power of food to transform how young people learn and grow, and our farms and programs grew out of the collective efforts of our entire community. However you may have contributed over the years, we are immensely grateful for your shared belief in this work and your enduring support. We hope the seeds of change we have planted together will continue to nourish our community, even as they take root in new ways.

With gratitude,

The Fresh Roots Board of Directors

(Aaron, Ashiana, Christina, Lloyd, Rosalind, Selma, Suzie, and Zahra)

Across Fresh Roots' schoolyard farms, young people are eager to learn how to grow food and care for their communities.

Too many youth are missing out on access to fresh food, outdoor education, and the confidence that comes from planting, harvesting, and sharing what they grow.

Your support helps thousands of kids and youth connect with the land, taste what they grow, and build confidence that lasts a lifetime.💚

Support our farms and make a donation today https://donate.freshroots.ca/

Plant your gift today!🌱

Looking for a job? Check out our website to apply for our Fresh Roots 2026 seasonal positions! https://freshroots.ca/jobs/

Applications for seasonal positions on our Farm, Day Camp, and SOYL teams are open now, as well as extended season positions in Vancouver and Coquitlam.

Please share it with your networks !

🌱 Ever wonder what a week on the farm really looks like?

From early‑morning harvests to busy market days, the behind‑the‑scenes planning, and the joy of seeing produce and bouquets go to our community, read our article to get a full snapshot of life as a farmer with Fresh Roots.

Dive into our blog post to experience the rhythm of our Vancouver farms freshroots.ca/2025/11/28/a-week-in-the-life-of-a-farmer/

And if you want to experience the urban farm life yourself, Fresh Roots is looking for a community-minded farmer to lead our Vancouver production team for the 2026 season.
Learn more about the role and apply: freshroots.ca/jobs/