Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay, alongside MP Tim Louis, has announced up to $9.98 million in funding. This initiative, part of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund's (LFIF) fifth phase, is set to bolster up to 192 new community-led projects across the country, enhancing the accessibility of nutritious, local food.
Minister MacAulay emphasized the importance of this funding "As we continue our efforts to stabilize food prices and bring relief to Canadians, this new funding through the Local Food Infrastructure Fund will help put more healthy, local food on tables right across the country."
Since its inception in August 2019, LFIF has been pivotal in building a sustainable food system in Canada, committing $64.8 million to over 1,100 projects. These projects have ranged from community gardens to refrigerated trucks for food storage, significantly impacting food accessibility, especially in remote and Northern communities.
The announcement was made at the Wilmot Family Resource Centre in New Hamburg, Ontario, a beneficiary of LFIF's first phase. This funding enabled the Centre to purchase a cargo van, thereby enhancing their food hamper program and supporting the delivery of a variety of local healthy foods.
MP Tim Louis highlighted the local impact of such funding "In communities of all sizes, we need to continue supporting service organizations aiding families. Our federal government's $23,000 investment empowered the Wilmot Family Resource Centre to acquire a refrigerated van, facilitating free access to locally grown produce for families in need. Given Kitchener–Conestoga's fertile farmland, ensuring universal access to safe, affordable, locally sourced food is paramount for our community's health and well-being."
The government is also addressing food inflation through various measures, including the one-time Grocery Rebate via a GST tax credit, as part of Budget 2023.
The Affordable Housing and Groceries Act, which aims to remove the GST on new rental housing and increase competition in the grocery sector, underscores the government's commitment to making life more affordable for Canadians.
Through these concerted efforts, the Canadian government is ensuring that every Canadian has access to healthy, local food, supporting small farms, and promoting sustainable agriculture across the nation.