Discover Local Food in Manitoba

Local food refers to all products that have been produced locally through agriculture or alternative forms of production, or food that have been collected from nature (e.g., by fishing, hunting or foraging). Local food also includes the value-added food products that are processed within Manitoba. Explore this page to discover the ways you can find local food in Manitoba.

Have you heard about BuyLocalMB? Visit the webpage to learn more about how you can make a difference in Manitoba’s economy by supporting the production of local goods and services.

Farmers’ markets are local markets that run once or twice a week, where crafters, farmers, and direct business sell their products. These community spaces are great venues to meet local producers and explore new products. Direct Farm Manitoba is a cooperative locally owned and operated by local farms and farmers’ market of Manitoba. Visit their website to explore their members and the products they offer.

Can’t make it out to a farmers’ market? The Manitoba Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program connects residents with local farmers by providing a supply of fresh produce on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, starting in June and running 12 to 18 weeks.

Fireweed Food Co-op is a community service co-op spearheaded by community stakeholders to connect producers with an urban consumer-base. They market and distribute local foods for farmers year-round through their Wholesale Food Hub and Buying Club with centrally-located pick up options, and through their South Osborne Farmers Market in Winnipeg from June to September.

Looking for a fun way to introduce the youth in your life to where food is grown? Take a weekend trip to your favourite U-Pick. U-Picks are farms beloved by many communities and used by growers to help with the harvesting rush. It allows pickers of all ages to experience what harvesting is like, while getting the freshest fruits and vegetables possible. 

Need another reason to pay attention to the road? In some areas, you can purchase local fresh foods right at the farm gate! Some farmers have an on-farm store. Look for the signs along the highway to find these hidden gems. 

Do you have a green thumb, or are looking for a new hobby that builds community? Community Gardening is an excellent way to get to know your neighbours while learning how to grow your own food. Various communities around the city offer spaces for families to grow and try producing some of their favorite food locally. To find the closest available garden, visit Gardens Manitoba or contact your neighbourhood organization.

Looking for a specific company, food or ingredient? Or are you a local food business looking to get the word out about your product? Manitoba Agriculture has developed a Food Ingredient and Product Directory. This directory showcases food and beverage companies in Manitoba and their ingredients and products in the market.

It’s free to include your business. Email MBAgrifood@gov.mb.ca to learn more.

Food & Beverage Manitoba (FabMB) is an industry-led, not-for-profit association and one of Manitoba’s Sector Councils. FabMB is dedicated to promoting Manitoba’s vibrant food and beverage industry, and ensuring their members have the resources, strength and conditions they need to succeed.

But there is so much more! Click here for a full list of industry organizations and commodity associations for meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables, cereals and oilseeds, eggs and honey.

Communities across Manitoba host a variety of events and festivals that showcase local food. Annual events like Le Burger Week, MB Food Fest and more get locals excited about Manitoba’s high caliber food scene. The province also has a growing list of restaurants that are well known for their use of local ingredients in signature dishes. 

Some popular yearly food festivals celebrating Manitoba’s bountiful harvests include:

Does your community host an annual food festival you don’t see it listed here? Email us at localfood@gov.mb.ca to request to be featured on our website.

The Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies (MAAS) play a vital role in preserving Manitoba’s history and helping to create a rich and vibrant future for all Manitobans. Check out their website often for agricultural events and programs happening across the province. 

For even more events and to learn more about the stars of Manitoba’s foodie scene, check out the Food and Drink sections of Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg’s websites.

We’d love to hear from you! Are you a passionate local grower, processor, garden or market? Send us an email at localfood@gov.mb.ca for a chance to have your local food story featured.

If you have any questions or would like this information in an alternate format, email us at localfood@gov.mb.ca.