B.C. invests $200 million to address food security
Posted March 7, 2023 3:33 pm.
Last Updated March 7, 2023 3:34 pm.
The B.C. government is making a $200 million investment aimed at addressing food security in the province.
Premier David Eby announced the money on Tuesday, saying it will be directed toward the province’s food bank system, and overall agriculture production and resiliency.
“Food security in British Columbia requires an available, affordable, and uninterrupted supply of nutritious food,” the premier said. “At the same time, we need targeted, effective programs that support the people and communities most impacted by rising inflation, climate events, and supply chain shocks.”
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B.C.’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food will be spending the money on “enhanced” programs to strengthen the province’s supply chain, from production to packers and retailers. Indigenous communities will also see investment from the province to help with the availability and cost of food in remote and rural areas.
The funding is also meant to help businesses in the food sector grow and become more resilient to climate change and extreme weather.
Food insecurity has been a long-standing challenge for many in BC, and global inflation is making it more and more challenging for people to put good food on the table. #foodrescue #fightinghunger pic.twitter.com/LkgtPixhkq
— Sheila Malcolmson (@s_malcolmson) March 7, 2023
Meanwhile, B.C.’s Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction is providing grants that will go toward food banks, along with food distribution and access centres.
“Global inflation has hit people hard and the rising cost of food is especially tough on vulnerable people,” said Minister Sheila Malcolmson. “Helping people lead full, dignified lives is the right thing to do, and funding will help thousands of people access nutritious, affordable food.”
The government says the investment recognizes the “diverse” challenges the food sector has been facing through COVID-19, inflation, and supply chain issues.
