Feds announce launch of $1B Food-Link Fund

The federal government’s Food-Link Fund will provide money to help develop and expand regional food hubs and food terminals, like the Ontario Food Terminal in Toronto. ~ SimonP photo

By Luke Edwards

The intake period for a key aspect of the federal government’s National Food Security Strategy is now open.

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald and Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson, announced the launch in a release last month. The $1-billion Food-Link Fund aims to help build new food terminals and regional food hubs across the country. It’s described as a key aspect of the $3.2-billion food security strategy announced in the spring.

“Strong food supply chains help get more affordable high-quality food to Canadians, no matter where they live,” MacDonald said in the release.

“The Food-Link Fund will help build the infrastructure we need to move food more efficiently, open new markets for producers, and give independent grocers more options. We are building a stronger, more competitive food system that helps keep food affordable and accessible for Canadians.”

Intake for the fund opened in mid-October, and will remain open until Dec. 11.

It’s split into two programs. The Food Terminal Fund will support the development and expansion of wholesale food terminals, which act as a one-stop shop for farmers, food businesses and independent retailers to sell and source products beyond the supply systems controlled by large retailers.

The Food Hub Program, meanwhile, will help with the development and expansion of regional food hubs, which offer food producers access to the storage, processing, distribution, and market connections.

“Canadians deserve a food system that is reliable, efficient and affordable. Through the Food Terminal Fund, we are investing in the facilities that help move food more efficiently across Canada, strengthening regional supply chains, and improving access to fresh, affordable food,” Robertson said.

“By building modern food distribution infrastructure, we are helping create more resilient communities and supporting the goals of Canada’s National Food Security Strategy.”

For more information on the fund, visit agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/food-link-fund. 