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(Image Credit: Curtis Galbraith)
By Curtis Galbraith
Shop, cook and dine Canadian

August 1 marks Food Day Canada

Jul 31, 2026 | 1:20 PM

Saturday, August 1 is Food Day Canada. 

The people behind the occasion say it is meant to get people to “shop, cook and dine Canadian.” 

They also say this is a chance to celebrate farmers, fishers, chefs, researchers and whoever does the cooking at home. 

Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Tara Sawyer says in a statement that this is “a day to celebrate Albertan and Canadian cuisine, and the farmers, ranchers and processors in our province and across the country who make it possible.” 

Sawyer’s statement goes on to say that Alberta is “Canada’s largest producer of beef, honey and processed potatoes, the second-largest producer of canola and wheat, and a major exporter of oats, barley and pork.” 

People are encouraged to celebrate Food Day Canada by shopping locally, cooking at home, or having Canadian food at a restaurant or event. 

People can share stories on social media by using @FoodDayCanada or #FoodDayCanada. 

Minister Sawyer’s full statement is as follows: 

“Tomorrow, Aug. 1, marks Food Day Canada, a day to celebrate Albertan and Canadian cuisine, and the farmers, ranchers and processors in our province and across the country who make it possible. Agriculture is the heart and soul of Alberta, and we play a significant role in the Canadian food industry. Beyond putting food on our tables, agriculture is a major economic driver that helps power Alberta’s economy and strengthen communities across the province.

“We are Canada’s largest producer of beef, honey and processed potatoes, the second-largest producer of canola and wheat and a major exporter of oats, barley and pork. Alberta beef is internationally renowned and enjoys a well-earned reputation for its high quality and flavour. Our grains are used for making nutritious breads and pastas and creating award-winning craft beers and whiskies.

“The goods we produce are sought after by chefs and consumers alike, and everyday people around the world celebrate, make memories and spend time together over meals made with Alberta ingredients.

“I invite all Albertans to try something new from the local food section of your grocery store, visit a farmers market or dine at a local restaurant to commemorate Food Day Canada. Let’s join together over food made in Alberta and Canada in honour of the people who feed and nourish us every day of the year.” 

by Curtis Galbraith