Canada's federal government selected Food Banks Canada and Second Harvest to distribute up to $20 million in food purchases, with up to $10 million each under the Community Support Stream of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund; final amounts are subject to negotiation.
The federal government of Canada selected Food Banks Canada and Second Harvest to distribute up to $20 million in food purchases. Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald announced the recipients on Friday at Second Harvest's facilities in Toronto: each organization will administer up to $10 million under the Community Support Stream of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund.
The funds will be transferred to food banks and not-for-profit community groups that submit applications, for the purchase and distribution of food. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) published an online finder to help organizations determine which of the two organizations serves their area. "Every Canadian should have access to nutritious food, regardless of where they live or their circumstance," MacDonald said in a news release. "Through the Community Support Stream, our government is working with trusted organizations like Food Banks Canada and Second Harvest to get food to families and communities across the country who need it most."
The funding comes on top of the National Food Security Strategy that Prime Minister Mark Carney launched on June 11. The strategy carries $3.2 billion in spending over 10 years and is meant to address the root causes of food insecurity and increase domestic self-sufficiency. Ottawa said it focuses on supporting the farmers, processors and workers who put food on tables, and invests in innovation and supply chains so Canada can produce more of its own food.
Kirstin Beardsley, chief executive of Food Banks Canada, said the money will go toward stocking shelves amid growing demand. "As visits to food banks continue to increase, this project will help ensure they can keep their shelves stocked with nutritious food," Beardsley said. "Food Banks Canada is very pleased to distribute this funding, which will help food banks throughout the country purchase the food they need to reduce shortages, improve food access in underserved communities, and provide reliable support to people facing food insecurity." Food Banks Canada works with a network of more than 5,500 food banks and community organizations.
Lori Nikkel, chief executive of Second Harvest, said the organization appreciates the investment given the greater pressure on community groups. "This funding will help us get resources directly to grassroots organizations so they can provide nutritious, culturally appropriate food. With our national network of partners, we'll make sure this support reaches the communities that need it most, making good food accessible and barrier-free for people across the country," Nikkel said. Second Harvest describes itself as the country's largest food rescue organization and redirects surplus food to people in need; the networks of both organizations reach partners in every province and territory. The projects and final funding amounts are still subject to negotiation of a contribution agreement.
