Ottawa has begun rolling out its national food policy.
Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau was in Montreal June 17 to release details of the $134-million strategy.
Along with a slogan, Everyone at the Table, Bibeau announced that an advisory council would guide the policy as it rolls out, monitor it and assess its effectiveness.
Nominations will be sought from across Canada, with more details still to be announced, she said.
Bibeau also launched the Local Food Infrastructure Fund.
“Over the next five years, this fund of $50 million will support community-led projects that could include greenhouses like yours, urban gardens, community kitchens, food banks and farmers markets,” she said, speaking at a Montreal project.
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One aspect of the program will cover at least 50 percent of eligible expenses up to $25,000 to help local organizations buy equipment or improve access to food.
There will be three calls for proposals over the five years; the first proposals can be submitted between Aug. 15 and Nov. 1 to the federal agriculture department.
The second part of the local food program will cover half of eligible costs up to $250,000 for organizations “to build or strengthen a local food system that will help reduce food insecurity in a sustainable way,” Bibeau said.
“Since we are targeting non-recurring multi-year projects, only one call for proposals will be launched following consultations that will take place before the end of the year.”
Other parts of the food policy include a northern and isolated community fund to help purchase items such as community freezers and strengthen skills so people can grow their own food, money for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to tackle food fraud, and a national school food program.
Bibeau said it is “heartbreaking” that even in Canada some people are food insecure.
She added that the policy will help the country meet commitments under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to end hunger, promote good health, cut food waste and encourage a sustainable food system.
