July 11, 2013

PUTTING MORE LOCAL FOOD ON THE TABLE
New Greenbelt Fund Grants Will Increase Market Access for Ontario Farmers and Processors

The Greenbelt Fund is working hard to make it easy for Ontarians to choose local food. By introducing a new grant stream to increase market access for Ontario farmers and processors, the Market Access program will help increase local food access for public institutions, retail outlets, and foodservice markets.

With support from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, this exciting program will increase local food choices in grocery stores and restaurants, and public institutions such as hospitals, schools, and cafeterias.

“People want local food in their fridges and on their tables, and we’re helping to put it there,” said Burkhard Mausberg, CEO of the Greenbelt Fund. “Supporting innovation and local food initiatives is what the Greenbelt Fund is all about. This stream of grants will look to specifically increase the purchase of Ontario food by wholesale and commercial markets in order to effectively meet the needs of Ontarians and their food choices.”

The Market Access program builds on the success of the Greenbelt Fund’s Broader Public Sector program. Since its launch in 2010, it has supported a $26 million increase in the amount of Ontario foods purchased by public institutions meaning that every one dollar invested has supported the purchase of five dollars’ worth of local food.

Click the links for more details on grant guidelines and funding applications for the Market Access Grant Stream and the Broader Public Sector Grant Stream.

Contacts:
Megan Hunter
Communications and Program Manager
Greenbelt Fund
Phone: (416) 960-0001, ext. 315
mhunter[a]greenbeltfund.ca

Jennifer Asselin    
Communications Manager   
Greenbelt Fund     
Phone: (416) 960-0001, ext. 306    
jasselin[a]greenbeltfund.ca