Apply for federal funding to help food insecure

Local organizations who serve people experiencing food insecurity are invited to apply for funding from the federal government.

Using the networks already established by the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, the federal government has allocated $30 million dollars or local-level organizations to help fund the purchase of food and other basic necessities; the purchase or rental of equipment and other materials to support storage or distribution; and also the delivery of these items to vulnerable community members that fully implement physical distancing guidelines.

MPP Neil Ellis, in a statement Thursday, said all local food banks and or food organizations in the Bay of Quinte that are interested in partnering with the Local Food Infrastructure Fund should contact the AAFC Food Programs by e-mailing: aafc.foodprograms-programmesalimentaires.aac@canada.ca

“The government of Canada is providing total of $100 million dollars to improve access to food for Canadians facing social, economic, and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ellis.

This funding will be delivered to national, regional, and local organizations across Canada that directly serve people and communities which are experiencing food insecurity.

Key organizations such as Food Banks Canada, Salvation Army, Second Harvest, Community Food Centres Canada, and Breakfast Club of Canada – will work with partners to meet the urgent food needs of Canadians, including Indigenous peoples and Northern populations.

The $100M investment is to be divided as follows:
• $50M to Food Banks Canada;
• $20M divided evenly between Salvation Army, Second Harvest, Community Food Centres Canada, and Breakfast Club of Canada; and
• $30M for local-level organizations who serve people experiencing food insecurity.

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan can be reviewed at: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html