MLA Jennifer Rice says funding will support food security in North Coast

PRINCE RUPERT– BC NDP MLA Jennifer Rice says that grant funding for local food access initiatives led by local organizations will support food security for people in Prince Rupert and Masset.

“Especially with the high cost of freight, local food growing, harvesting, and gathering are a critical part of living in northern, rural and indigenous communities,” said Jennifer Rice, MLA for North Coast. “We’re supporting projects backed by local and Indigenous knowledge so that our communities can see sustainable solutions.”

In Prince Rupert and Masset, three projects received funding:

• Ecotrust Canada in Price Rupert is receiving $19, 250 to bring together a steering committee to engage in food justice planning and to help advance food systems change.
• Masset Market Collective Society is receiving $20,850 to help with hiring a program coordinator and assisting with the cost of coupons, food safe certificates for vendors, and more.
• Old Masset Village Council is receiving $25,000 to support a coordinator position, and help with seasonal harvest and food processing for winter food distribution.

Thirty-six organizations in Northern B.C. are receiving Northern Resilience grants from Food Banks BC, in partnership with the Public Health Association of BC. This funding is part of the $200 million announced in March 2023 to strengthen food supply chains, increase the availability of fresh food, and encourage food production in remote areas.

Factors like global inflation and climate emergencies, such as fires and floods, have contributed to growing food insecurity in rural and remote communities. Provincial funding continues to address the diverse challenges of food producers, processors, suppliers, retailers and consumers, strengthening food security for everyone.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023SDPR0061-001580