Media Release
Ontario Government Partners with Greenbelt Fund to Grow Local Food Access Through 15 Local Food Projects
Hamilton - Today, Ted McMeekin, MPP for Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale on behalf of Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced that the Government of Ontario is supporting fifteen local food projects across the province that will increase access to local food and support the growth of Ontario’s agri-food sector. These investments strengthen our agri-food value chain which means more local food on Ontarians’ plates.
The announcement was made at Mohawk College, one of the recipients of the over $300,000 in new investments made possible with funding by the Government of Ontario through the province’s Local Food Investment Fund, administered by the Greenbelt Fund.
Mohawk College is a leader in local food and is receiving a $30,000 grant to develop online professional development modules in local food procurement through their Continuing Education division. The program will teach food service staff local food procurement skills, as well as how to create menus that celebrate and maximize the use of Ontario food.
“Through the Local Food Investment Fund, our government is investing in Ontario’s agri-food sector, to make it even easier for Ontarians to enjoy the good things grown, harvested and made in Ontario. By increasing access to local food and drink, and supporting innovation in processing, we are strengthening rural and urban economies, creating good jobs, and building a more sustainable future.”
"The fifteen new projects supported by the Greenbelt Fund touch on all aspects of local food – from investing in farmers and growers to innovators and public sector leaders like Mohawk College. The Fund is making local food the best choice for Ontarians. We are very proud of our partnership with the Government of Ontario which has resulted in a 13 to 1 return on our investments in the local food economy through the Local Food Investment Fund.”
“Through the Local Food Investment Fund, our government is making it easier for Ontarians to enjoy the good things grown, harvested and made in Ontario. When we invest in projects that support Ontario’s booming agri-food sector, we are helping strengthen our communities, both rural and urban, create good jobs and boost our local economies."
“Mohawk College is a proud leader in local food and sustainability. Our new local food procurement certification course offered as a professional development program through our Continuing Education faculty will strengthen that leadership and train foodservice professionals across all sectors to increase their local food offerings."
View this release on the Greenbelt Fund Website
Contact for Greenbelt Fund:
Erica Woods
Communications Manager
Greenbelt Fund
Phone: (416) 960-0001 ext. 306
Mobile: (647) 834-5657
ewoods@greenbeltfund.ca
Mohawk College educates and serves more than 29,500 full-time, part-time, apprenticeship and international students at three main campuses in Hamilton, Ontario and learning hubs across Hamilton through City School by Mohawk, and at the College’s Centre for Aviation Technology at the Hamilton International Airport. Mohawk is among the top five colleges for applied research in Canada. It has been named one of Canada’s greenest employers seven years in a row, holds a GOLD STARS rating from AASHE for sustainability achievements and is home to the country’s largest and first institutional building to receive dual certification for Zero Carbon Building Framework design and performance for The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation. More than 135,000 people have graduated from Mohawk since it was founded.