The Ontario government is investing more than $123,000 to help expand access to affordable food across Northumberland County through Community Health Centres of Northumberland’s growing Community Food Market program.
MPP David Piccini announced the Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant Thursday during an event supporting the initiative.
The two year grant will support expansion of the Community Food Market through additional mobile market locations and increased program capacity across the county.
“Our government is proud to support organizations that are making a real difference for families across Northumberland County,” said Piccini.
“This investment will help expand access to affordable, locally sourced food while supporting rural communities, local farmers, and volunteers who are working together to meet growing needs across our region.”
Since launching in 2023, the Community Food Market has operated as a weekly low barrier farmers style market through Community Health Centres of Northumberland, offering fresh produce, meats, prepared meals and other locally sourced foods at reduced prices.
The program currently partners with nine local farmers and food vendors.
The new funding will help expand services into communities including Colborne and Grafton through a Mobile Market initiative while also supporting staffing, volunteer recruitment and food transportation resources.
Clinical Director Marley Budreau said the expansion will help improve access to healthy food while strengthening community connections and supporting local food producers.
Mayors John Logel of Alnwick/Haldimand and Mandy Martin of Cramahe both welcomed the expansion, saying the program will improve food accessibility and community wellbeing in rural Northumberland communities.
Community Health Centres of Northumberland says the program remains focused on equity, accessibility and reducing barriers to healthy food access.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
