August 18, 2026
Manitoba Government Invests $97,000 to Expand Northern Healthy Food Initiative
The Manitoba government is investing more than $97,000 through the From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program in the Northern Association of Community Councils (NACC) to expand the Northern Healthy Foods Initiative (NHFI), Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced today.
“Access to healthy, affordable food is essential for strong, thriving northern communities,” said Simard. “By supporting NACC’s expanded Northern Healthy Foods Initiative, our government is helping communities lead their own food sovereignty planning, identify local champions and build long‑term solutions rooted in their strengths. These consultations and community‑driven activities will ensure northern voices guide the path forward, and I’m proud that this investment will help create more secure, sustainable food systems across the north.”
The NACC will expand the program by furthering community consultations and programming with seven communities in northern Manitoba. This spring, NACC began community consultations with seven northern, unincorporated communities that do not currently receive support through the NHFI.
The Northern Food Sovereignty Consultation involves directly engaging with the seven interested communities, as well as identifying community food champions and council allies. Visits to each of the seven communities are scheduled for this year.
The consultations will include community-based meetings, sharing circles and food-sovereignty workshops to identify existing strengths and gaps in the community. The pilot program for the first phase will begin in January 2027. The second phase is comprised of consultation and pilot programs with the remaining communities.
“On behalf of the Northern Association of Community Councils, we are especially grateful to receive some much-needed funding to expand the Northern Healthy Foods Initiative,” said Andrea Kwasnicki, executive director, NACC. “Food sovereignty and food security remain growing concerns amongst many Manitobans, with northern communities being especially impacted. Funding through the From the Ground Up program will allow the NACC’s NHFI program the opportunity to expand its current support of 23 communities to include an additional four to seven locations.”
The From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program is a Manitoba government grant program. It provides up to $100,000 to help non-profits, municipalities and northern affairs councils fund community revitalization, youth programs and capital space improvements.
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