In 2017, as a part of reimagining its food programs, Cathedral leadership—along with those invested in its food ministries—worked to craft a Food Philosophy. This statement is meant to guide the Cathedral community as we seek ever more just and expansive ways of sharing food with all who come to the table.

Whether at community meals, parish events, or through the Maundy Café, this philosophy helps to envision the ways in which we seek to share food, and to address the economic inequalities that leave some with too little, and others with too much. 

The Food Philosophy was developed as part of a larger project supported by the Vancouver Foundation, and adopted by the Cathedral's Trustees in November 2017. 

Cathedral Food Philosophy
Christ Church Cathedral uses food to nourish its communities in ways that cultivate connection, holistic health, and community resiliency by honouring the agency, creativity, dignity, intellect, and worth of all who come to the table.
The following statements summarize the ways in which the Cathedral community seeks to live into its food philosophy, in all aspects of parish life:

  • Food is at the core of who we are and what we do. Our philosophy of food is rooted in the biblical traditions of Sabbath, Shalom, and Eucharist, and expressed in the Five Marks of Mission of the Anglican Communion.

  • Food provides far more than nutrition. It is a vehicle for connection, and an engine for social inclusion, and has the opportunity to address deeper needs such as meaning, beauty, and hope.

  • Growing and sharing food cultivates essential attitudes of abundance and hospitality, of mutuality and resilience, of thankfulness and celebration. Food roots us in the land and in community. Food connects us across generations, cultures, and socio-economic divides.

  • All members of our community have a right to food based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states: “food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.”

We will live into this philosophy by:

  • Sharing nutritious food in ways that foster community and contribute to a sustainable local food system.

  • Building on the strengths of all participants, including staff, volunteers, and guests.

  • Seeking ways to share food and to serve one another across the lines that would otherwise divide us.

  • Championing and working towards increased access to food for those who are nutritionally vulnerable.

  • Sharing fresh, healthy, and locally-sourced food whenever possible.

  • Sharing food that is nutrient-dense, low in refined sugar and sodium, and not overly processed.

  • Providing opportunities for increased food literacy, connection, and community resiliency.

  • Sharing foods that reflect the diversity of our community, city, country and world.

  • Becoming aware of the impact that our food choices have on the environment.

  • Committing to the reduction of the Cathedral’s ecological footprint by composting and minimizing packaging.

  • Collaborating with other organizations in ways that reduce unneeded duplication and that maximize efficiencies of time and resources for those who provide food, and those who eat it.

  • Participating in community-based and faith-based networks and organizations focused on local food policy and food security networks.

As we work towards:

  • Person-centered programs that empower all participants by giving them choice and voice, and by focusing on their strengths.

  • Community development initiatives to build participation, knowledge, skills, jobs, and mutually transforming friendships.

  • Eradication of hunger through fair access to affordable food that is safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate.

  • Just wages and conditions for all farmers and workers.

  • The development of urban farms and healthy food cooperatives.

  • Improved biodiversity and health of urban and rural lands.