July 10, 2020
Governments Support Local Cooking Initiative with Manitoba Association of Home Economists
The governments of Canada and Manitoba will provide up to $70,000 to the Manitoba Association of Home Economists (MAHE) to provide resources for families to encourage cooking with low-cost, nutritious ingredients readily available in Manitoba, federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced today.
“From farm to table, ensuring that all Canadians have access to affordable and nutritious food is a priority for our government,” said Bibeau. “This project helps give Manitobans the tools and knowledge they need to make healthy meals for their families, while supporting our local food farmers. We will continue to work side-by-side with the province to help shape a healthier and more prosperous future for Manitoban families and communities.”
“This project will help families to stretch their food budgets, while also increasing food security and resiliency in Manitoba,” said Pedersen. “Learning about food and how to prepare it is something families can do together, and these resources will help give them the information and confidence to make it a part of their daily lives. We are pleased to support an initiative that will encourage healthier diets and contribute to the overall health of our communities, building on the good work that is already happening in our province.”
Funding will be provided to the MAHE through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to develop and promote printable electronic resources on food literacy and safe preparation of affordable and available food, with an emphasis on Manitoba-produced ingredients. MAHE will collaborate with community-based non-profits working with vulnerable populations, experts in public health and food safety, and the supply chain to ensure their work complements other existing resources and is accessible to Manitobans.
“With the mission to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities, MAHE has the professional expertise and connections to fulfil this project’s mandate for the benefit of Manitobans,” said Sheila Stark-Perreault, MAHE president.
The five-year, $3-billion Canadian Agricultural Partnership includes $2 billion for cost-shared strategic initiatives delivered by the provinces and territories and $1 billion for federal programs and services. For more information, visit www.canada.ca/Agri-Partnership.
Pedersen noted the Manitoba government has also recently launched the Home Nutrition and Learning Program, which focuses on family-friendly recipes and educational activities. It includes a $2.5-million pilot program to help connect school-aged children and their families with nutritious foods to make together. For more information, visit www.manitoba.ca/nutritionlearningprogram.
Pedersen also recognized the ongoing work of Manitoba’s commodity groups and other organizations that highlight the benefits of Manitoba’s locally grown and processed foods.
To learn more about MAHE, visit www.mahe.ca.
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