Healthy habits can help your physical and mental well-being. These habits can be as simple as exercising more or eating more vegetables. But we know that not everyone has the same access to these choices.
“When we work together to make healthy food more accessible for our communities, it helps everyone,” said Jennifer Sarna, Manager of Recreation Services.
To help improve access to healthy food, many of our recreation and leisure facilities have kitchens. These spaces help make our communities stronger by providing space for Leisure Guide cooking programs, celebrations, and community events. Select locations also support food banks, encouraging access to healthy food for everyone.
Want to book a space for your next event? Kitchen rentals are available at the following locations:
- Fort Rouge Leisure Centre, 625 Osborne St.
- Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre, 430 Langside St.
- Sergeant Tommy Prince Place, 90 Sinclair St.
- St. John’s Leisure Centre, 601 Aikins St.
- Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre, 510 King St.
We also have garden plot rentals throughout the city. Operated by our Parks division, these popular spots serve as a source of fresh food and help bring people together. This is particularly valuable to those who may not have access to a yard. All plots are booked for 2025, but you can check the website next spring for availability. All plots are rented on a first-come, first-served basis.
Start your own garden
Gardening is a great way to spend time outside. If you have the space, why not try gardening? The Winnipeg Public Library has put together a Gardening Information Guide to help you get started. It’s a one-stop shop for all the information you need to grow your own food.
The Winnipeg Public Library also has Seed Libraries where you can take or share seeds. Depending on availability, you can bring home seeds to grow your own fruits, vegetables, flowers, or herbs. All seeds are free (some limits apply).
Seed Libraries are available at:
Help your garden grow with free compost
Adding compost to your soil has many benefits. It is a natural, nutrient-rich fertilizer that helps your plants grow. It also improves your soil, reduces diseases, and saves water.
Jumpstart your home garden with free compost at our annual giveaway event! Bring your shovel and containers to one of three locations from May 9 – 11, 2025, while quantities last.
This high-quality compost is made from the grass clippings, leaves, and twigs collected as part of our yard waste collection program.
