County Food Hub expected to gain $90,000 from OMAFRA

The County Food Hub at Sophiasburgh school project is expected to receive $90,000 from the Ontario ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).

Mayor Robert Quaiff told council Tuesday night there are a couple simple conditions that still need to be addressed, but he was pleased the Hub project will be receiving the full grant amount available.

“We can’t make a formal announcment yet as there is still a contract to be signed,” said Quaiff, noting the endorsement from OMAFRA is “great news”.

The County Food Hub intends to provide a shared commercial kitchen as a key aspect of the business plan which also includes space and resources for food service training and learning opportunities for students from all the County schools, and region.

The project was born of community interest in saving Sophiasburgh Central School from closing and moving the students to the high school.

The school board received an update last week as the group works to its April 30 deadline for a business case.