Inspired by original story posted in The Beat, an internal newsletter.
Bringing local, farm-fresh produce to patient menus is nourishing health, supporting farmers, and strengthening community ties.
A Vision Rooted in Sustainability
Fraser Health’s Food Services team is joining the movement to source food from local farms for hospital menus. This initiative is part of the Food Strategy for People and Planet (internal link) adopted by all seven B.C. health authorities, and aims to increase “farm-to-hospital” relationships and program throughout the province.
Instead of asking why, I would ask ‘why not’?” says Elaine Chu, Director, Food Services Transformation & Strategic Projects at Fraser Health. “We need fresh produce on the hospital menu—so why wouldn’t we buy from the farms right in our region and engage local suppliers right in the neighborhood?”
This initiative is part of Fraser Health’s commitment to support locally produced food, provide seasonal, nutritious menu options, and enhance the patient dining experience with freshness while piloting the farm to hospital concept. It’s also a perfect example of its anchor mission to harness health authority purchasing power to support local economies and make the health system less vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
The vision is supported by national and regional working groups—Nourish Leadership, the Provincial Food Tech Team, Procurement team–and many others. Together, they’re exploring practical solutions at the local, regional, and provincial levels.
Seeing Action Now
In 2025, locally grown blueberries were brought to the Abbotsford Regional Hospital, Chilliwack General Hospital, Heritage Village Long Term Care, Surrey Memorial Hospital, Carelife Fleetwood and Czorny Alzheimer Center, Royal Columbian Hospital and Mission Memorial Hospital. Watch a short video about Kuljit Minhas’s family farm and the partnership established.
The summer season continued with a successful pilot featuring local corn, served on both patient and cafeteria menus at Chilliwack General Hospital, Abbotsford Regional Hospital, Ridge Meadows Hospital, Royal Columbian Hospital and Eagle Ridge Hospital, demonstrating that local, seasonal ingredients can be integrated into hospitals.
Co-Benefits Beyond the Plate
- Lower Environmental Impact: Once the procurement is scaled, shorter supply chains mean fewer transportation emissions and less packaging waste.
- Resilient Community and Food System: Supporting local farmers helps build a stronger, more sustainable regional food system and strengthens local food security.
- Better for Patients: Fresh, locally grown and ripened produce enhances nutrition and connects care to the community. It’s also delicious!
- Stronger local economy: Procurement that keeps income circulating in our region and supports local businesses.
Overcoming Challenges Together
While distribution and processing remain hurdles—most farms lack the capacity to deliver to multiple hospital sites, and food services rely on pre-washed, pre-cut produce—Fraser Health is working with procurement and interest holders to find solutions. The goal: make local sourcing scalable and sustainable.
Anchoring Community Wellbeing
As one of BC’s largest health authorities, Fraser Health recognizes its responsibility as an anchor institution—an organization deeply rooted in its community with the power to influence local economic and social wellbeing.
By prioritizing local, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, Fraser Health is not only nourishing patients but also investing in a resilient food system that benefits farmers, families, and the planet. This commitment reflects a broader vision: health care that heals both people and the environment.
