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Community funding boost makes more free, healthy food available

Press Release

Aug. 22, 2024

NANAIMO – More people have better access to healthy and nutritious food, thanks to provincial funding that is supporting food infrastructure projects throughout British Columbia.

More than $4 million is supporting 65 organizations in British Columbia to strengthen food security infrastructure that helps redistribute food to people who need additional support because of high costs.

“We all want people to have access to nutritious food, so we’re taking action in a time of rising grocery prices,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “This is why, on top of hundreds of other projects, we’re funding critical infrastructure that helps people access fresh food in Nanaimo and throughout B.C.”

The funding is part of the provincially funded $14-million Critical Food Infrastructure Fund, administered by United Way British Columbia over three years from 2023-26. In 2024, another $3.2 million of this fund was distributed to 43 community organizations.

Grants from the fund are helping community organizations, including Indigenous organizations and First Nations, build, buy and improve warehouse storage space and equipment, buy refrigerated vehicles to transport food, and buy equipment to preserve and process food for extended shelf life. By increasing the capacity for storing, transporting and redistributing food locally, the grants help increase year-round availability of nourishing and culturally appropriate foods.

Food insecurity has increased because of inflation, supply-chain issues, and climate emergencies that interrupt food production and distribution. This investment addresses the challenges faced by communities, strengthening food security for everyone.

Learn More:

To read more about the Province’s funding to the Critical Food Infrastructure Fund, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023SDPR0057-001516

For more information about United Way British Columbia food security initiatives, visit: https://uwbc.ca/program/food-security

B.C.’s poverty-reduction strategy: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/about-the-bc-government/poverty-reduction-strategy

For recipients of the Critical Food Infrastructure Fund, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/UnitedWayGrants.pdf

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Media Relations
778 584-0705

BACKGROUNDER

Michael McKnight, president and CEO, United Way British Columbia –

“We are deeply grateful for the Critical Food Infrastructure Grant, which significantly bolsters our mission to increase access to nutritious and affordable food. This support is vital in advancing initiatives that prioritize Indigenous food sovereignty and regional self-determination, on Vancouver Island and across the province. Together, we are fostering more healthy, caring, and inclusive communities.”

Peter Sinclair, executive director, Loaves & Fishes Community Food Bank –

“We can’t thank the Government of B.C. and United Way British Columbia enough for the Critical Food Infrastructure Grant. This funding is providing an essential refrigerated vehicle for Loaves & Fishes North Island food bank. The new vehicle will help ensure that the communities of Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Woss, Sointula and Port Alice will continue to have reliable access to free and nutritious food well into the future. At the same time, surplus food from food-recovery grocery partners will instead go to people in need in these communities, rather than going to waste.”

Paula Mansyk, executive director, Nanaimo Foodshare Society –

“The funding we received from United Way B.C. allowed Nanaimo Foodshare to acquire a transportation vehicle that is crucial for all 16 of our food-security programs. It will make a huge difference to our organization, and we are very grateful.”

Crystal Carson, volunteer, Good Food Box –

“Volunteering with the Good Food Box Program has helped me give back to my community and helped me to make new friendships and learn new skills. The Good Food Box also helps me to put food on the table and I am really grateful for that.”

Contact:

Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Media Relations
778 584-0705

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