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Stronger
Together

2026 Impact Report


Land acknowledgement

We do this work on Indigenous lands.

Right To Food operates and partners with community food organizations from coast to coast to coast. We do this on the lands of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, who have been and continue to be in a reciprocal relationship with the lands, waters, and all beings. This relationship has been embedded in gratitude and respect since time immemorial.

The national office of Right To Food is in Toronto and is on the territory of the Wendat, Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Mississaugas of the Credit. This land is now also home to many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.


Nick Saul, CEO and Co-Founder of Right To Food
Nick Saul CEO and Co-Founder, Right To Food

A message from our CEO

Community is at the heart of everything we do.

For the past 14 years, Right To Food has been building and resourcing Community Food Centres (CFCs) across the country. There are now 18 of these welcoming spaces from coast to coast to coast, each rooted in dignity, respect, care, and hope. Despite growing inequality and the highest rates of food insecurity in our country’s history, these vital community resources are a force for positive change.

Today, I am proud to share the results of our latest Annual Program Survey, capturing insights from more than 1,300 community members participating at Community Food Centres from Iqaluit to Kamloops to Dartmouth. What comes through loud and clear in this survey is that people may come to a Community Food Centre for a healthy meal, but what they find is something deeper: connection, support, and a sense of belonging. Good food, we’ve always said, is just the beginning. When people feel connected, meaningful change becomes possible — not just for individuals, but for entire communities.

There’s no question we’re stronger together.

This work is made possible by an extraordinary network of people who share a vision of a more equitable country. Thank you to our staff, volunteers, community members, partner organizations, and donors for being an instrumental part of this work and for standing with us as we continue building a Canada where everyone has dignified access to healthy food.

Best,
Nick Saul
CEO and Co-Founder, Right To Food


Program Survey Results

In our most recent Annual Program Survey, we asked 1,346 people across our Community Food Centre network about the impact of our programs on their lives. Their responses paint a powerful picture of what these programs mean to the people we serve. Here’s what we heard.

1

Healthy Food

Welcoming programs help people access fresh, nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate food.

 2

Belonging and Social Connection

Welcoming spaces help people gather, share meals, and build a deeper sense of belonging.

 3

Health and Wellbeing

Programs support health, well-being, and connection through meals, markets, gardens, and cooking.

 4

Skill Building

Food skills programs build confidence in the kitchen and garden through practical, welcoming learning.

Impact area 1

Healthy Food

Community Food Centres offer access to healthy food in welcoming and supportive ways. These include community meals, affordable produce markets, produce boxes, Meals on Wheels, food banks, and more. The programs provide fresh, nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate food to meet the needs of diverse communities.

92%

of respondents said that their Community Food Centre is an important source of healthy food.

86%

of respondents had made one or more change to their healthy eating habits since coming to a Community Food Centre.

The Table provides me with food that I couldn't otherwise afford. A financial burden is lessened which affects my mental health.

The Table CFC participant

At the end of the month when I do not have any money it is nice to have something to fall back on.

Mount Paul CFC participant

Here I get access to a variety of different foods. It reduces my stress about food at the beginning or end of the month. With inflation, everything has gone up, but thanks to Carrefour, I feel more confident I can offer a wider variety of foods to my children.

Carrefour Solidaire CFC participant, translated from French

Impact area 2

Belonging and Social Connection

Feeling connected and having a sense of belonging are essential human needs. They help reduce isolation and loneliness, which are growing challenges across Canada. For seniors, youth, and marginalized groups, Community Food Centres offer a welcoming “second home” where people can gather, share meals, and take part in programs and activities. These connections can improve quality of life, support better health, and strengthen overall wellbeing.

96%

of respondents feel a sense of belonging at their Community Food Centre.

79%

of respondents had made a new friend at their Community Food Centre.

92%

of respondents got the opportunity to engage and understand people with different life experiences at their Community Food Centre.

80%+

of respondents said they:

  • always feel welcome and included at their Community Food Centre (88%)
  • always feel heard by staff and volunteers (84%)
  • are always comfortable expressing their opinions at the Community Food Centre (81%)

The Table is an incredible place to connect with others and feel a deeper sense of belonging in our community.

The Table CFC participant

I have made lifelong friends here. We meet outside of the CFC and do things together.

Mount Paul CFC participant

I am always welcomed here and I feel like I am contributing to something.

The Local CFC participant

Hope House makes me happy, it makes me feel like I’m not alone. If I ever need to talk to somebody, there’s always someone here to talk to.

Hope House Guelph CFC participant

Impact area 3

Health and Wellbeing

Every Community Food Centre offers programs that support health, well-being, and connection — from shared meals and fresh food markets to community gardens and after-school cooking programs. Together, these programs help people access healthy food, learn new food skills, and build meaningful relationships within their communities.

85%

of respondents said their Community Food Centre improved their health or well-being.

For the past few years, if it hadn’t been for The Table, I would feel really lost. It reduces stress because I know I’m among friends. Coming here after work calms me down.

The Table CFC participant

The sense of community I built at the Depot has been very beneficial to my outlook on life. It makes me hopeful about the future. I, as well as many other people, can be a part of a community.

The Depot CFC participant

I don't feel helpless anymore. I feel proud and happy when I am here.

NorWest Co-op CFC participant

As a new immigrant, I’m going through distress and I’m a bit scared of my future. The Depot helped me to feel a bit safer and the people who work there are always nice and friendly to me. I always leave The Depot in a good mood.

The Depot CFC participant

Impact area 4

Skill Building

Food skills programs at Community Food Centres build confidence in the kitchen and garden. In a fun and welcoming environment, community members learn practical skills that can support healthier meals at home, reduce reliance on highly processed foods, and support people to take greater control of their health and well-being.

74%

of garden program participants feel more confident growing their own food.

99%

of cooking program participants had or now have confidence cooking and preparing food.

It is fun. I am learning new cooking skills, making friends, and helping the community.

The Local CFC participant

I’m making my own dressings and sauces rather than buying them from the store. The recipes from the chef are very helpful.

The Local CFC participant

I learned new cooking techniques here that I integrate into my meals at home.

NorWest Co-op CFC participant


Thank you

We are stronger together.

Our work would not be possible without the contributions of countless individuals and organizations across our network.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the 1,346 community members who generously shared their experiences, insights, and stories through our Annual Program Survey. Your voices are at the heart of this report and help us better understand the impact of Community Food Centres across the country.

We are especially grateful to the 12 Community Food Centres that were instrumental in facilitating this evaluation.

Evaluation partners

Note: Due to reporting timelines, Nelson CFC’s results are not included in the collective results.

Thank you for your partnership, dedication, and support in making this work possible.

Additional Community Food Centres in the Right To Food network

To the staff, board members, volunteers, partners, and donors whose commitment and generosity sustain this work every day: thank you for building health, hope, and community through the power of food.

Full report

Download the PDF version.

Save or share the complete Impact Report, including the survey results and community stories featured on this page.

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