Federal Government’s $100 Million In Funding for Food Banks

Updated June 10, 2020 – Created April 4, 2020 – 12:30 EDT

Background

On April 3^rd, the government committed $100 million in funding for food banks and other organizations to improve access to food for Canadians facing social, economic, and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This funding would be used to purchase food and other basic necessities. It would help these organizations find new, creative ways to reach people in need, so they can continue to carry out their important work while respecting physical distancing guidelines. They would be able to use the funding to buy or rent equipment and other materials to help address the unique needs of the communities they serve, and the health-related challenges presented by COVID-19.

On June 9^th, the government announced the launch of the second call for proposals under the Local Food Infrastructure Fund. This second call for proposals, valued at $43.4 million, will begin accepting applications June 9th. The Fund aims to strengthen food support organizations and to help improve access to safe and nutritious food for Canadians at risk.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until funding has been allocated. Projects valued at up to $250,000 will be accepted. This second call for proposals could also support a cluster of organizations who are ready to enhance their regional food systems.

Full Release: https://www.canada.ca/en/agriculture-agri-food/news/2020/06/government-of-canada-launches-second-call-for-proposals-under-the-local-food-infrastructure-fund.html

Previous News Release: https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/04/03/prime-minister-announces-support-food-banks-and-local-food

Key-Points

• The $100 million investment is divided as follows:
  • $50 million to Food Banks Canada*.
  • $20 million divided evenly between Salvation Army, Second Harvest, Community Food Centres Canada, and Breakfast Club of Canada*.
  • $30 million for local-level organizations who serve people experiencing food insecurity.
• Funding will be delivered through the Government of Canada’s Local Food Infrastructure Fund
• Eligible activities for this new funding include:
  • the purchase of food,
  • support for the transportation and distribution of food,
  • hiring temporary help to fill volunteer shortages, and
  • activities to implement biosecurity measures, such as the purchase of personal protective equipment, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among volunteers and clients.
• The Local Food Infrastructure Fund is part of the Food Policy for Canada, the Government’s roadmap for a healthier and more sustainable food system in Canada. The Food Policy’s goal it to ensure that all people in Canada are able to access a sufficient amount of safe, nutritious, and culturally diverse food. It is focused on ensuring that our food system is resilient and innovative, sustains our environment, and supports our economy.

How to Access Funding

When first announced it was not entirely clear how Indigenous groups will access the funding, or if they could specifically apply for funding directly.

The regular Local Food Infrastructure program page had indicated the intake period for the fund has closed. A special COVID-19 specific landing page for the program indicates the following:

These organizations* (those mentioned in the Prime Minister’s Announcement) will work with local partners to meet the urgent food needs of Canadians, including Indigenous peoples and Northern populations.

On June 9, the Local Food Infrastructure website was updated to include details on the call for proposals including eligibility. Indigenous Communities and Groups are eligible to apply.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants are not-for-profit organizations that have been in operation for at least two years as a legal entity capable of entering into a legally-binding agreement. Furthermore, applicants must be able to demonstrate the ability to maintain the proposed operations beyond the funding period.

Eligible applicants consist of:

• community or charitable organizations
• Indigenous groups
• not-for-profit co-operatives

Note: Eligible applicants must be legal entities capable of entering into legally binding agreements.

Eligible Projects

Projects should be mostly infrastructure specific, community-driven and dedicated to improving access to safe and healthy foods for Canadians at risk of food insecurity. The risk factors and prevalence of food insecurity vary from community to community and can impact Canadians in both rural and urban environments through a lack of access to affordable and nutritious food choices.

For the purpose of this fund, Canadians at risk of food insecurities are part of one of the following groups:

• Indigenous
• Persons who are homeless or street-involved
• Low income households
• Isolated and rural communities
• Persons with disabilities
• Other groups with social or employment barriers including literacy and numeracy
• Newcomers to Canada (including refugees)
• Visible minorities
• Women
• Youth
• Seniors
• LGBTQ2 community
• Official language minority communities
• Other (please specify)

Eligible projects can range from simpler infrastructure requests such as purchasing a refrigerator for a food bank to more complex requests that strengthen local food systems, such as projects that integrate multiple areas of the value chain through the creation of partnerships. The applicant must demonstrate how their project will be integrated into and strengthen the local food system and how it will impact the well-being of community members.

For full details on the program and how to apply, please visit: http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/agricultural-programs-and-services/local-food-infrastructure-fund/?id=1560701480448