A pilot project in Quesnel could help the city’s food security.
Quesnel is set to receive a $50,000 grant from a Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) poverty reduction program to set up a food redistribution network. Mayor Bob Simpson said the city partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association to bring the project forward.
“This Food Redistribution Network will increase local food security and will help shift the community away from an emergency-based charity model to one that is empowering, community driven and sustainable; all while reducing food waste,” he said in a news release. “It was apparent after the CMHA conducted the Quesnel Community Food System Assessment that the community is in need of this project.”
READ MORE: Food security, food sovereignty top of mind for First Nations
Williams Lake is also set to receive $50,000 under the initiative for a community social service project. The Cariboo projects are two of ten funded through the UBCM program.
The president of UBCM, Brian Frenkel said the injection of provincial dollars is something they’ve been calling on for years.
“Our members also recognize that poverty is contextual and that our collective response needs to reflect the unique conditions and challenges in B.C.’s communities,” he said. “We appreciate the support this program is providing for the development of local strategies and approaches.”
To qualify for funding, the projects needed to focus on one of TogetherBC’s priorities, including families, education and training, housing and social supports.
READ MORE: Quesnel Food hub now accepting bookings
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: cassidy.dankochik@quesnelobserver.com
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