Food In Canada

Government launches second phase of food infrastructure fund

By Food in Canada   

Food In Canada Business Operations


June 10, 2020, Ottawa, Ont. – Agriculture and Agri-food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau has announced the launch of the second call for proposals under the Local Food Infrastructure Fund.

This second call for proposals, valued at $43.4 million, aims to strengthen food support organizations and improve access to safe and nutritious food for Canadians at risk. It will support small and large community-led projects at facilities such as urban gardens, community kitchens, food banks, and greenhouses.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until funding has been allocated. Projects valued at up to $250,000 will be accepted.

The second call for proposals could also support a cluster of organizations who are ready to enhance their regional food systems.

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The Local Food Infrastructure Fund, a $50-million, five-year program under the Food Policy for Canada, is aimed at community-based, not-for-profit organizations. The program’s goal is to reduce food insecurity by establishing and/or strengthening local food networks in the medium to longer term.

Under the first call for proposals of the program, 362 projects received funding of up to $25,000 for a total of $6.6 million. The funding supported projects such as the purchase of new refrigerated trucks, kitchen equipment, community gardens, and equipment needed to prepare, store and distribute food.

“Our government is committed to helping to improve food security for those who need it most,” said Bibeau. “Through the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, we are making meaningful improvements across Canada in support of access to food. I am pleased to launch the second call for proposals of the program, which opens the door to a cluster of organizations who are ready to enhance their regional food systems, and will help recipients continue their great work.”


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