Our Community’s Food System
A food system includes all the people, places, and processes involved in growing, processing, distributing, accessing, eating, and disposing of food.
Jump Ahead
Listening Tour
In 2025, the City of Toledo's Food Policy Manager met with more than 60 local food system stakeholders to determine the best next steps to reduce barriers, and expand opportunities for collaborative planning and policy development to strengthen the local food system.
The Listening Tour energized a more formal food policy audit process and Toledo joined the 2025 CARAT cohort.
CARAT Cohort
Toledo is one of 12 communities across the U.S. participating in the 2025 CARAT Cohort to evaluate the strength of resources in our food system. Gaps identified in the audit will be used to lay the foundation for a food policy council and inform priorities for a food action plan.
Resources
Call or Visit 211
Find local food pantries
Get help with SNAP Benefits
Find a Local Farmers' Market
Fresh, local food is available throughout Toledo during growing season.
Toledo Farmers' MarketUrban Agriculture
Understand what’s required to safely and legally grow food in the city including setbacks, water access, drainage, and allowed structures like greenhouses.
TMC 1104.2400Keeping Chickens
The City of Toledo allows up to 6 chickens to be kept within the city limits, as long as the certain conditions are met.
Learn MoreFinding Land
Lucas County Land Bank's Farm-a-Lot Program connects residents and organizations with vacant land to grow food, raise animals, and expand urban agriculture opportunities.
Farm-a-Lot ProgramCommunity Gardening
Toledo GROWS provides community gardeners with free seeds and plants, tools, education, and support to help people grow their own healthy food.
Join Toledo GROWSSmall Business Support
Toledo-Lucas County Public Library offers support to entrepreneurs and nonprofits
TLCPL Small Business and Nonprofit SupportFood Prep Space
The Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen offers shared commercial kitchen space, equipment, and business support to help food entrepreneurs start and grow their products.
Learn More About The NOCK