Federal government focuses on food security with new school and local food funds

The Canadian government has introduced the School Food Infrastructure Fund (SFIF) and the next phase of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) as part of a $62.9-million allocation in Budget 2024. These programs aim to support community-based not-for-profit organizations in improving local food security for Canadians of all ages.

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lawrence MacAulay, highlights the importance of this initiative, noting that since the launch of the LFIF in 2019, over 1,100 projects have been supported nationwide, including community kitchens and greenhouses in Northern communities. The new SFIF aims to expand this support and ensure more children have access to healthy meals.

School Food Infrastructure Fund (SFIF)

The SFIF, with a budget of $20.2 million, is intended to help not-for-profit organizations invest in infrastructure and equipment for school food programs across the country. This initiative complements the National School Food Program and aligns with the National School Food Policy. Eligible organizations can apply for funding from September 6, 2024, until October 4, 2024.

Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF)

The renewed LFIF mobilizes $42.7 million to improve food security through infrastructure investments through two components:

• Small scale projects: Funding between $25,000 and $100,000 infrastructure projects such as irrigation systems for community gardens or solar panels for greenhouses. Applications for the first intake will be open from October 1 to October 31, 2024, with a second intake announced in 2025.
• Large scale projects: Funding between $150,000 and $500,000 for projects with multiple infrastructure and equipment needs. For example, partners could upgrade a soup kitchen and increase the number of meals served using food from a local community garden. Applications will be open from January 13 to February 28, 2025.

Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development, Jenna Sudds, emphasizes the impact of these programs, stating that a good meal can significantly affect a child’s day and ability to succeed. By partnering with community organizations, the goal is to ensure children in Canada have access to healthy meals that support their learning and growth.

This investment will prioritize equity-deserving groups within communities, ensuring increased access to local, healthy, and culturally-appropriate foods.

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