The Government of Canada announced the launch of the new School Food Infrastructure Fund (SFIF) and the next phase of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF), to support local food security.

In a recent press release, Lawrence MacAulay, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food announced the two programs, funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, that aim to assist community-based not-for-profit organizations working to improve local food security for Canadians of all ages.

The SFIF aims to help not-for-profit organizations invest in infrastructure and equipment to support school food programming across Canada.

The SFIF, with a budget of $20.2 million, is delivered as a complement to both the National School Food Program, and the guidance provided under the National School Food Policy.

Eligible organizations can apply to the SFIF until October 4, 2024.

The LFIF focuses on helping improve community food security and will be delivered through small and large-scale projects.

Small scale projects will provide funding between $25,000 and $100,000 to support infrastructure projects, such as irrigation systems for community gardens or solar panels for greenhouses. Applications for the first intake will be open from October 1 to October 31, 2024. A second intake will be announced in 2025.

Large scale projects will provide funding between $150, 000 and $500,000 in support of community food security for projects with multiple infrastructure and equipment needs. Applications will be open from January 13 to February 28, 2025.

“Since we first launched the Local Food Infrastructure Fund back in 2019, we’ve supported over 1,100 projects right across the country, from community kitchens to greenhouses in Northern communities,” said MacAulay in the release.

“Today, we’re expanding the program and launching our new School Food Infrastructure Fund, so more kids have the healthy meals they need to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.”

More information on the funds can be found here.