Gatineau, QC (Rural Roots Canada) – The federal government has launched a $20 million program to help Canada’s most vulnerable have access to nutritious food.

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Heath MacDonald, has unveiled the Local Food Infrastructure Fund: Community Support Stream, a new program that will support food banks and other national, regional, and local organizations. The money will be used to acquire and distribute nutritious food to families in need.

The program is part of the government’s recently announced National Food Security Strategy, which is focused on ensuring Canadians have access to affordable, domestically produced food.

“Through the Community Support Stream, we are building on the important work already being done by food banks and community organizations across the country to help Canadians facing food insecurity,” said MacDonald, in a statement.

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The Community Support stream uses a funding distribution model that allows Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to work through a limited number of not-for-profit organizations with established networks of food banks and other community-based organizations.

AAFC will rely on those organizations to identify and select the community groups that will ultimately receive funding.

Officials are confident the funding will strengthen this funding will help organizations expand their reach and respond to the unique needs of the communties they serve.

“Food security is built through strong partnerships between governments, community organizations, and local leaders,” said Sophie Chatel, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This investment will strengthen local food networks and help build a more resilient food system for Canadians.”

MacDonald made the announcement at Moisson Outaouais, a food bank in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Marie-Pier Chaput with Moisson Outaouais says with food assistance demand reaching  unprecedented levels across Canada, this funding comes at a crucial moment.

“Frontline organizations are facing growing demand every day and need concrete resources to continue to support individuals and families in need,” she said.

Eligible initial recipient organizations have until July 9, 2026 to apply.