Ontario, Canada, Supports FoodShare Toronto & Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres

The following video presents Poverty to Possibility – Afua – Foodshare:

“Afua helps bring fresh fruit and vegetables to some of Toronto’s low-income neighbourhoods. It’s part of FoodShare’s Mobile Good Food Market, a program funded by United Way and just one example of how your generous support keep individuals, and entire communities, healthy and happy.”

This is an update to the previous blog, Local Poverty Reduction Fund – $50 Million – for Canadian Groups in Ontario: Apply in May 2015.

The Local Poverty Reduction Fund is being used to support community-driven poverty solutions, including:

The Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres to develop community-based solutions to combat poverty.
- Ontario is investing up to $270,000, over three years, in the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC).
- The OFIFC is a network of agencies that provide culturally-appropriate services for Aboriginal peoples in over 28 urban communities, including programs related to children and youth, health and wellness, and education and training.
FoodShare Toronto to help low-income Ontarians save money and eat healthier by delivering vegetables and fruit.
- Ontario is investing up to $112,000 over a year and a half in FoodShare Toronto’s innovative programs.

Deb Matthews Deputy Premier, President of the Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy: Image Courtesy of Ontario

NEWS RELEASE

Ontario Partners with Innovative FoodShare Toronto to Support Healthy Nutrition

Local Poverty Reduction Fund Supports Community-Driven Poverty Solutions

September 15, 2015 9:30 A.M.
Treasury Board Secretariat

Ontario is partnering with FoodShare Toronto to help low-income Ontarians save money and eat healthier by delivering vegetables and fruit.

Through the Local Poverty Reduction Fund, Ontario is investing up to $112,000 over a year and a half in FoodShare Toronto’s innovative programs.

FoodShare Toronto will evaluate two existing food support programs and measure their success in helping to provide a better quality of life for people affected by poverty. FoodShare Toronto will also determine how to expand existing programs to reach more communities.

Evidence gathered from this project and others will be used to support poverty reduction programs across the province that have been proven to work and that can expand over time.

Fighting poverty is part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives and building a secure savings plan.

Quick Facts

The Local Poverty Reduction Fund supports innovative and sustainable local programs that use community partnerships to support those who are disproportionately affected by poverty, including: women, single parents, people with disabilities, youth, newcomers, visible minorities, seniors and Aboriginal Peoples.
Organizations have two more opportunities to apply for funding in 2016 and 2017.

Additional Resources

Local Poverty Reduction Fund
View a video of Minister Matthews talking about the fund
Realizing Our Potential: Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy

Quotes

“FoodShare Toronto is a pioneer when it comes to innovative food programs. With this funding, FoodShare Toronto will evaluate and measure their success in helping provide a better quality of life for people and determine how they can expand and bring good, healthy food to more communities in need.”
Deb Matthews
Deputy Premier, President of the Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy

“Poverty remains a persistent problem in Ontario, which is why we welcome the Ontario government’s focus on poverty reduction initiatives.”
Debbie Field
Executive Director, FoodShare Toronto

“FoodShare Toronto continues to be an invaluable advocate and provider of affordable and accessible food in Davenport. Our province’s substantial investment at FoodShare Toronto will undoubtedly bring unprecedented benefits to communities in need in our community and across the city.”
Cristina Martins
Member of Provincial Parliament for Davenport