The provincial government is helping local food producers by joining with Food Matters Manitoba in implementing a pilot project geared at helping break down barriers to buying locally grown food by government and non-government institutional purchasers. This statement was made by Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Ron Kostyshyn.
Kostyshyn made the announcement at the Manitoba Legislative Building on World Food Day during the Golden Carrot Awards, which recognizes those who are making a difference in the sustainable food system.
“We want to see our local producers sell more of the great products they have to offer, while at the same time, making it easier for institutional customers to get their hands on those products,” said Kostyshyn. “As a farmer myself, I know the benefits these types of programs can create and I’m happy to be a part of this.”
The province has invested $81,000 in the Local Sustainable Food Procurement Pilot Program (LSFP). The first phase, developed by Local Food Plus in partnership with Food Matters Manitoba, will provide government with an understanding of how barriers to buying sustainable local foods influence current purchasing practices.
“This funding will allow Food Matters Manitoba to collect relevant information that will help farmers, purchasers and government find ways to grow the local, sustainable food economy,” said Kostyshyn.
“Food Matters Manitoba is pleased to partner in meeting consumer demands for sustainably produced local foods in schools, workplaces and Manitoba public facilities,” said Kreesta Doucette, executive director, Food Matters Manitoba. “This project is an opportunity to realize several years of building connections between farms and cafeterias.”
The second and final phase of the LSFP will offer support to both farmers and purchasers. Farmers will be educated on Local Food Plus certification regarding overall farm processes and organic certification. Purchasers will receive guidance on how to source local sustainable items to add to their pantries and menus.
“This will generate connections between farmers and food providers to help increase the supply of fresh local produce,” the Kostyshyn added.
The minister said one of the longer term objectives of the pilot is to encourage safe, healthy food options for Manitobans. This goal is aligned with a number of other provincial initiatives such as Buy Manitoba, a public awareness campaign to help consumers identify Manitoba-grown and Manitoba processed foods in retail grocery stores and food-service establishments.
The minister also noted this announcement builds on other investments in local food initiatives. In 2012-13, through Neighbourhoods Alive!, over $250,000 was invested in 34 food-security projects across Manitoba from Winnipeg’s North End, to Brandon, Dauphin, Portage la Prairie and Thompson. Also, the Building and Renewal Plan is supporting Manitoba’s first Community Food Centre, a project led by the NorWest Co-op Community Health Centre.
Food Matters Manitoba is a registered charity that engages Manitobans to develop healthy, sustainable and fair food systems through cultivating community food skills, providing public education, and building partnerships and networks. Local Food Plus is a non-profit organization committed to growing local sustainable food systems across Canada.
