News Releases

Manitoba Government Invests $1.3 Million in Northern Healthy Foods Initiative

The Manitoba government is investing $1.3 million toward the Northern Healthy Foods Initiative to support northern food security projects that contribute to the development of culturally relevant, healthy food systems, Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations Minister Eileen Clarke announced today.

“The Northern Healthy Foods Initiative empowers communities to develop food security programs that address their unique needs,” said Clarke. “These local and regional projects increase the supply and reduce the cost of nutritious food in the north, and also increase community access to resources and opportunities which facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experiences.”

The minister noted programming is delivered by several community-based organizations including:

• Bayline Regional Roundtable;
• Four Arrows Regional Health Authority;
• Frontier School Division;
• Food Matters Manitoba; and
• Northern Association of Community Councils.

"The Northern Healthy Foods Initiative has supported our Grow North Program with the Frontier School Division to promote food sustainability and create valuable learning opportunities,” said Brian Trewin, gardening co-ordinator, Grow North Program. “Projects such as our classroom hydroponics and raised garden beds provide activities for schools and community members, which are building healthy food momentum for the upcoming generations.”

The minister noted the initiative targets communities in more than 80 per cent of the province, including First Nations and northern municipalities.

“Northern Healthy Foods Initiative funding provides the foundation for our organization to work alongside northern communities to pursue their food security goals,” said Myles King, northern co-ordinator, Food Matters Manitoba. “Approaches to food security differ by community, whether the need is for traditional harvesting support, a chicken coop or a greenhouse. Our ability to listen to each community’s vision while having the capacity to respond where the need is greatest gives us the best chance at making meaningful change.”