Today, Neil Ellis, Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte participated in an online funding announcement with Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation’s Maribeth deSnoo, Susan Sweet, Cherie Hardie, and Kellie Brace. Together they highlighted an investment of up to $100,000 to Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation from the Local Food Infrastructure Fund’s second application period.
The Local Food Infrastructure Fund, a five-year, $50-million program under the Food Policy for Canada, is aimed at community-based, not-for-profit organizations. The mission of the program is to reduce food insecurity by establishing and/or strengthening local food systems in the medium to longer term. The second phase of the program aims at supporting
community-based, not-for-profit organizations to improve their food systems through investments in infrastructure that are directly related to addressing food insecurities and increasing the accessibility of healthy, nutritious and local foods within their community.
Today’s announcement supports the Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation in their work to support students in the Bay of Quinte through Student Nutrition Programs. Schools across the riding have had to make changes to accommodate new safety protocols and procedures because of the pandemic to ensure students stayed in their cohorts and practiced social distancing. With this funding, Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation purchased equipment to assist with the transition of programming to providing needed student nutrition in a safe way in accordance with Covid protocols.
Past years have shown that student nutrition programs are a critical part of the day for many students. Through school breakfast and snack programs, students have access to healthy food which helps with their learning in the classroom. The work of Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation continues to support schools in providing this essential
programming.
Quotes
“Supporting our youth is essential for the vitality of our community. The work of Hastings Prince Edward Learning Foundation has undeniably supported so many of our students during these trying times and beyond. The innovation of Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation to assure that this program remains available through the pandemic is a testament
to their commitment to our youth in the Bay of Quinte and I thank them for their dedicated work.”
– Neil Ellis, Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte
“At St. Peter, we were in need of safe, storage containers and a cart to deliver food. The containers will allow us to keep food in safe and sealed containers that will prolong the shelf llife and retain its flavour in the refrigerator. Our cart is greatly needed to deliver food to 16 classes. It will certainly cut down on our travel time! Thank you for your generous donation to help us continue to provide our students with safe and nutritious food!”
– Gloria Hackett, Principal of St. Peter Catholic School
“Madoc Township Public School provides fresh foods to all our students. The equipment provided will allow students to develop healthy lifelong eating habits, while directly supporting their current academic development. The food program can not exist without the equipment to safely deliver the food to students. With this partnership we can ensure each student has a chance to be alert, be cognitively ready for their day and feel nourished throughout their day. We aim to reduced student stress levels especially during Covid. When they do not have to focus on food insecurities, they are more capable of success. Thank you for giving our kiddos an equal chance and the opportunity to be ready to learn.”
– Tara Brough, Principal of Madoc Township Public School
Quick Facts
• 362 projects across Canada, totaling $6.6 million was funded through the first round of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, which took place from August to November 2019.
• Applications under the second call for proposals are currently being accepted. Please visit the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada website to submit an application.
• The Local Food Infrastructure Fund is part of the Food Policy for Canada, supporting our country in meeting its commitments under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including to end hunger, promote good health, cut food waste, and
encourage sustainable food systems.
• The Government also launched the $50 million Surplus Food Rescue Program, which aimed to move surplus food commodities through the food system as efficiently as possible to help vulnerable Canadians. In April 2020, a one-time financial injection of $25 million to Nutrition North Canada (NNC) was announced, to increase subsidy rates in all eligible communities to ensure food security for Canada’s most vulnerable in the North and Arctic.
Additional Links
Local Food Infrastructure Fund
Food Policy for Canada
http://www.hpelearningfoundation.com