The Manitoba government is investing more than $73,000 in the second phase of the Local Sustainable Food Pilot Project, which helps institutions identify ways to increase the amount of locally grown food purchased while working with farmers to meet these demands. This announcement was made by Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn at the Food Matters Manitoba Golden Carrot Awards held in Winnipeg.
“Funding for the Local Sustainable Food Procurement Pilot Program will support both farmers and purchasers, with the goal of having more local foods in more locations across the province. This is great news for the rural economy,” said Minister Kostyshyn. “We have already seen good results from the first phase of this project, and along with the upcoming conclusion of recent consultations for direct-farm marketing, Manitobans will soon have more choice than ever when it comes to buying locally grown food.”
Institutional buyers include Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, the University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg, Canadian Mennonite University and Maples Personal Care Home. The first phase of the project has focused on collecting baseline data for the eight participating institutions, the minister said, adding participating institutions have also received advice on how to increase their purchases of locally grown food from their existing distributors.
“We are delighted to continue our support of this pilot project, working collaboratively with Food Matters and our current vendor, Sysco, to provide our guests with the best cuisine sourced locally when possible,” said Alain Dumonceaux, executive director of food and beverage and events, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. “Our partners have been integral in helping us optimize our purchasing of local foods including vegetables, cheese, eggs, pasta, flour, fish and much more.”
Resources are being developed to provide distributors and institutional purchasers with up-to-date information about where they can source local foods. The minister said a key component of this project is to build relationships between Manitoba food producers and processors and institutional purchasers. Courses will be held throughout the year for producers and processors interested in learning more about the project, he added.
“As a leader in sustainable development, we are always looking for opportunities to improve social, environmental and economic outcomes in a balanced way,” said Ian Hall, director, office of sustainability, the University of Manitoba. “This is a valued opportunity for the university and our campus food service providers to reflect on procurement patterns and to access information about local market opportunities. We’re excited about the potential to showcase more local and sustainable food to over 30,000 students and staff and to contribute to a strong local food system.”
Minister Kostyshyn noted this project supports the Manitoba government’s ongoing support of locally grown and processed foods. Most recently, the Manitoba government asked the Small Scale Food Manitoba working group, led by Dr. Wayne Lees, to consult with Manitobans on the issue and provide a report and recommendations to government. The public consultations have concluded and a report is expected by the end of the year.
Last year, the Manitoba government contributed $81,000 to the Local Sustainable Food Pilot Project, which was developed by Local Food Plus in partnership with Food Matters Manitoba. Local Food Plus is a non-profit organization committed to growing local sustainable food systems across Canada. Food Matters Manitoba is a registered charity that engages Manitobans towards healthy, sustainable and fair food systems, through cultivating community food skills, providing public education and building partnerships and networks.
For more information about the Local Sustainable Food Pilot Project, visit the website or call 204-943-0822 in Winnipeg.
