A Canada-wide crisis
People who are food insecure are unable to access enough food to meet their needs. They may miss meals (sometimes for a day or more) or rely on low-nutrition food that harms their well-being.
Nearly 7 million people across Canada are food insecure. Households that are Indigenous, low-income or single-parent are among those most at risk. Food prices, poor grocery selection, and knowledge gaps contribute to the crisis.
Local food production and education are the answer.
Research extols the benefits of local food production. A 2022 Canadian study published by the US National Library of Medicine concluded that "governments and industry ought to be encouraged to promote local foods" to maintain food accessibility as the cost of living rises.
A separate study from NC State University notes that "the localization of food supply chains can create positive economic effects such as lowering production and transportation costs and consumer prices."
Other research carries similar findings. Which only makes sense. For most of human history, our food was locally produced and harvested. By returning to this model, we improve accessibility and foster a closer connection between consumers and their food sources.
Benefits of Local Food Production...
1 in 5 Canadians is going hungry
Over half of Canadians prefer to consume food that is produced locally
Grant funding helps communities and organizations get started
We have the knowledge and passion to develop sustainable projects