Lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic on farm to school programming as a tool for food system resiliency

Food security is a prevalent issue across Canada. Programs such as Farm to School B.C., work towards providing food literacy education in schools and supporting school meal programs. However, the COVID-19 pandemic challenged the continuance of school food programming, especially when schools were forced to close and reduced in person operations to transition to online modes of teaching. This study seeks to better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic exposes the gaps in the food system through assessing its impacts on Farm to School B.C. programming. Understanding the challenges and opportunities that resulted from the pandemic are crucial for understanding how we can better prepare for future emergencies. The findings will assist planners and policymakers in their efforts to support food security and strengthen food systems resiliency for students and communities across British Columbia.