News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

May 5, 2021

Manitoba Government Invests $1.3 Million in Northern Healthy Food Initiative

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Investing in Sustainable Healthy Food Systems in Northern Communities: Clarke

 The Manitoba government is investing $1.3 million toward the Northern Healthy Foods Initiative (NHFI) to support northern food security projects, Indigenous and Northern Relations Minister Eileen Clarke announced today.

“Our government is committed to strengthening food security in northern Manitoba to help build and sustain healthier communities,” said Clarke. “Budget 2021 committed $1.3 million for Manitoba’s Northern Healthy Foods Initiative, which supports the development of culturally relevant and healthy food systems for Indigenous peoples and their communities.”

Facilitated by Manitoba Indigenous and Northern Relations, the NHFI supports local and regional projects that contribute to community development efforts, increases access to resources and opportunities, and ensures people are able to share knowledge and experiences.

Food security projects and programming is delivered by several community based organizations including Bayline Regional Roundtable, Four Arrows Regional Health Authority, Frontier School Division, Food Matters Manitoba (FMM) and the Northern Association of Community Councils. Additionally, the program supports initiatives through partnerships with the Northern Manitoba Food, Culture and Community Collaborative, and the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba.

“Food Matters Manitoba is able partner with 13 communities to provide consistent logistics and facilitation support to community-led food security projects,” said Rob Moquin, executive director FMM. “Because of the core funding NHFI provides, Food Matters has been able to partner with other funders to increase resources and programs for community partners, and this past year community leaders and knowledge keepers have reached 1,510 individuals. This dedicated program is essential in demonstrating the Province of Manitoba’s commitment to the long-term food security and sovereignty of northern and Indigenous communities.” 

Clarke noted the initiative targets communities in more than 80 per cent of the province. These communities include First Nations, Northern Affairs communities and northern municipalities.

For more information about the Northern Healthy Foods Initiative, visit www.gov.mb.ca/inr/major-initiatives/nhfi/.

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