Community Food Infrastructure Funding

Port McNeill, B.C. The Federal Government has announced a second call for proposals under local food infrastructure funding. Many have indicated an interest and concern around food security in community.

For detailed information on the program please visit http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/agricultural-programs-and-services/local-food-infrastructure-fund/?id=1560701480448and look at the Applicant Guide.

For more information on the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, please contact the program by e-mail: aafc.foodprograms-programmesalimentaires.aac@canada.ca or telephone: 1-877-246-4682.

Below are some key points:

• Today Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, 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, will begin accepting applications today.

• Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until funding has been allocated.

• Applicants may submit a proposal for a minimum ask of $5,000 to a maximum ask of $250,000. Project activities must be completed by March 31, 2024.

• The Fund aims to strengthen food support organizations and to help improve access to safe and nutritious food for Canadians at risk.

• This second call for proposals under the program will support small and large community-led projects at facilities such as urban gardens, community kitchens, food banks, and greenhouses.

• Eligible projects can range from simpler infrastructure requests such as purchasing a refrigerator for a food bank to more complex requests that strengthen local food systems, such as projects that integrate multiple areas of the value chain through the creation of partnerships.

• Eligible applicants include:

• community or charitable organizations

• Indigenous groups

• not-for-profit co-operatives

• Projects should be mostly infrastructure specific, community-driven and dedicated to improving access to safe and healthy foods for Canadians at risk of food insecurity.

Information provided by Bridget Horel

Regional Economic Operations Branch – Regional Manager North Vancouver Island/Sunshine Coast - Rural Development Unit

Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development