In a move to combat food insecurity in rural and Indigenous communities, the Province is investing $2 million to support innovative food access projects across northern B.C. Administered by Food Banks BC and the Public Health Association of BC, the funding aims to address rising demand and unique challenges in the region.
The investment is part of a $5 million fund announced in 2023. It’s being divided between large-scale initiatives and grassroots ideas to transform food systems. Major projects include a school-based food hub in Prince Rupert with greenhouses and composting systems, and a new meat processing facility in Sik-e-Dakh that will also train local residents.
Smaller grants support 13 community initiatives, like an Indigenous-led food sovereignty workshop series in Quesnel, a potato-growing program in Dawson Creek for people with disabilities, and efforts to bring local salmon into school meals in Prince Rupert.
Together, these projects aim to boost regional food production, strengthen distribution networks, and preserve cultural food practices. They also help schools, farms, and communities prepare meals with locally sourced ingredients. As food banks face growing pressure, this initiative is designed to build a more resilient and equitable food system for northern British Columbia.
