Community Food Program Support Fund

Applications are now CLOSED

June 8th Update: Both successful and unsuccessful applicants have been emailed regarding their status — please be sure to check your ‘junk’ folder if this email is not your inbox.

The rapidly increasing costs of living, including rising food, fuel, and housing costs, is compounding existing food security issues in Newfoundland and Labrador stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only are many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians struggling to regularly afford enough and/or nutritious food, community food programs throughout the province are also facing budgetary crunches because of increased program use.

With that in mind, Food First NL is launching another round of applications for its Community Food Program Support Fund to provide immediate resources to community food programs in the province.

Structure of the Fund

This fund will be used to provide support to community food programs that are continuing to safely offer services across the province. Organizations who operate multiple food programs may apply more than once—one application per program.

Available Funding

  • Up to $4,000 per program for organizations based on the Island of Newfoundland and up to $8,000 per program for organizations based in Labrador (to account for higher program and shipping costs).

  • We anticipate being able to fund more than 35 applicants.

Eligible Expenses

  • Human resources: salaries, honoraria, contractor fees, and mandatory employment-related costs (MERCs)

  • Food supplies

  • Personal protective equipment and serving supplies necessary for safe food programming during COVID-19

  • Hunter’s support expenses (fuel and ammunition)

  • Transportation and storage costs related to food distribution or acquisition

A Few Examples

  • A food bank uses the Fund to purchase additional stock in preparation for increased demand

  • A meal program hires recently unemployed young people from the community to replace volunteers who have had to step away from their duties.

  • A community freezer covers a hunter’s expenses to restock the freezer with wild game

  • A group of neighbours partners with a local church to assemble and distribute food hampers

Eligible Recipients & application details

This fund is open to registered nonprofit organizations, charities, religious organizations, municipal governments, Indigenous governments, and Indigenous organizations, who are providing community food supports. These programs include:

  • Food banks and hamper programs

  • Programs providing free meals

  • Hunter’s support programs

  • Community freezers and/or food storage programs

Grassroots groups who are unincorporated are welcome to apply - just identify a partner organization who is an eligible recipient and able to receive the funds on your behalf.

Reporting: Please keep copies of all receipts and/or cheque stubs to be submitted upon request from Food First NL

How to Apply: Applications are now closed. Successful applicants will be notified within a three week period.

Questions: Contact us at fund@foodfirstnl.ca or leave a message at 709-237-4026