Food System Recovery Fund
(Applications CLOSED)
Click here for a list of fund recipients
COVID-19 has had a serious impact on food security in Newfoundland and Labrador. Many new community food programs have started up to respond to the public health emergency, and others that already existed have pivoted into new areas of food work in order to serve their communities best. These programs have been improvising and valiantly making things work under difficult circumstances. But now as we slowly shift from emergency response to recovery, and try to prepare ourselves for any future waves of the pandemic, it’s important to invest in capacity building and adaptation so that community food programs have a strong and sustainable foundation going forward.
With that in mind, Food First NL has partnered with The Maple Leaf Centre for Action on Food Security to make available over $30,000 total funding to support community food program capacity building and adaptation in response to COVID-19.
Food First NL continues to seek additional partnerships that would allow us to add to this fund. If your organization is interested in contributing, reach out to us at fund@foodfirstnl.ca
Structure of the Fund
This fund will be used to support community food programs in Newfoundland and Labrador that have identified ways that they can build their capacity and adapt their activities in order to safely, effectively, and sustainably operate during the public health emergency and beyond. Organizations who operate multiple food programs may apply more than once - one application per program.
Available Funding
Up to $3,000 per program for organizations based on the Island of Newfoundland and up to $4,000 per program for organizations based in Labrador (to account for higher program and shipping costs)
We recognize that some food programs may have larger needs; please indicate that on the Expression of Interest form below if it applies to your organization, so that you can be included in a supplementary round of funding should it be possible.
Eligible Expenses:
Training costs for staff, board, and volunteers: first aid, mental health first aid, food safety, crisis response, equity, governance, financial management, technological skills, human resources, project management, etc.
Supplies and equipment for food production, storage, processing, preparation, service, and disposal: fridges and freezers, kitchen appliances and tools, food storage containers, serving equipment and supplies, gardening/composting/hunting/fishing equipment and supplies, etc.
One-time expenses related to transitioning food program information and services online or to telephone: website domains, online service subscriptions, contracted assistance with online platform development or improvements, communication and technological devices, etc.
A Few Examples:
A food bank purchases a deep freezer to be able to stock up on frozen vegetables and fruit because those items are in high demand and donated less often.
A meal program has all of its volunteers attend training on food safety and COVID-19 public health measures so that they feel safe and knowledgeable.
A community freezer purchases a vacuum sealer to safely store meat and fish for longer.
A neighbourhood group that started a hamper program gets training in financial management so they feel prepared to start applying for bigger grants.
A farmers’ market expands and improves their website so that they can better assist vendors to reach customers online.
A family resource centre purchases a cell phone so that staff can do check-in calls with families to address any emerging food needs and make referrals.
Eligible Recipients:
This fund is open to registered nonprofit organizations, charities, religious organizations, schools, municipal governments, Indigenous governments, and Indigenous organizations, who are providing community food 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.
How to Apply: Application period CLOSED in August 2020. Food First NL will contact applicants with results as soon as possible.
Questions: Contact us at fund@foodfirstnl.ca or call 709-237-4026
