"Everyone at the Table!" MP Julie Dabrusin highlights actions for a better food system with the Food Policy for Canada
News release
July 23, 2019 – Toronto, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Today, Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth Julie Dabrusin visited Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre to highlight Government investments for a better food system, as part of the Food Policy for Canada.
As announced on June 17th by the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Food Policy for Canada is the product of consultation and collaboration with more than 45,000 Canadians across the country.
The vision for the Food Policy for Canada developed through these consultations is: All people in Canada are able to access a sufficient amount of safe, nutritious and culturally diverse food. Canada’s food system is resilient and innovative, sustains our environment, and supports our economy.
To realize this vision, the Government of Canada is investing more than $134 million through Budget 2019 to support new initiatives in key action areas, including launching a $50 million Local Food Infrastructure Fund, designed to support community-led projects that improve access to safe, healthy and culturally diverse food. Starting August 15, 2019, eligible organizations will be invited to submit an application through the first intake period for non-repayable funding of up to $25,000.
The Food Policy also provides a coordinated and collaborative approach to tackle other pressing food issues that matter to Canadians, including combatting food security in the North, cracking down on the deliberate mislabeling of food, reducing food waste, launching a “Buy Canadian” promotion campaign for high-quality Canadian foods, and taking the first steps towards the creation of a National School Food Program.
The Food Policy for Canada aligns with the objectives of initiatives across the Federal Government, such as the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Heathy Eating Strategy, and the Poverty Reduction Strategy, among others.
Quotes
"One in eight Toronto households experiences food insecurity. This is why we are taking action by increasing access to healthy food for all Canadians, regardless of income, through the Food Policy for Canada. I am excited for the many opportunities this policy can create as we work toward improving our food system locally, at organizations such as Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre, and across the country."
- Julie Dabrusin, Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth
"The Food Policy for Canada is our roadmap for a healthier and more sustainable food system for our country. The investments and initiatives in the food policy will contribute to economic growth, better nutrition and food security for all Canadians."
- The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Quick facts
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Applications under the first stream of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund (Infrastructure and Equipment Improvement Projects) will be accepted between August 15 and November 1, 2019. This stream aims to enable small community-based organizations to improve their infrastructure and purchase equipment that is directly related to the accessibility of healthy, nutritious, and ideally local foods within their community.
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The Government is now engaging with potential applicants on the second stream of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund (Projects to Strengthen Local Food Systems), where applicants may receive up to $250,000 in non-repayable financial assistance for capital and food equipment. Interested organizations are invited to take part in the online consultation.
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The Food Policy will also help Canada meet its commitments under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including to end hunger, promote good health, cut food waste, and encourage a sustainable food system.
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Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre is committed to improving food security in its Toronto community. Eastview offers several food distribution services which strive to meet basic food needs in a dignified manner, including a food bank and a drop-in meal program. It also supports several projects which aim to foster independent food access solutions in the community, such as a community kitchen, cooking classes, and urban agriculture programs. These project use food as a means to build community, capacity, and health.
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Contacts
Katie Hawkins
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
katie.hawkins@canada.ca
613-290-3896 (Cell)
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@canada.ca
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