Food and Farming across the Golden Horseshoe
Niagara Food + Pie Subscription = a Recipe for Success

“I started Niagara Food Co. because I saw opportunity in being surrounded by some of the best farmland and produce,” Beth McIntee tells us.

Since 2010, Niagara Food Company has been creating home-style, gourmet meals and sweet treats with local food in Niagara Region. They've also launched a successful Pie of the Month Club that's wrapping up its third year. The Pie Club is a monthly subscription to specialty pies that feature fresh seasonal ingredients with a fun twist — which has helped them grow connections in the community over the last couple of years. Intrigued? Visit our most recent blog post at the link below!
Serving Up Local

The Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance will be sharing results from our most recent Serving Up Local work on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at the Agriculture Economic Development and Planning Community of Practice.

Register to join us to learn about opportunities to bring local food producers and processors together with your municipally-operated facilities. There will also be a Contract Specialist from MEALsource and an Ontario abattoir sharing their on-the-ground experience and recommendations.
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Food banks are continuing to see increased demand, and many are working hard to find sustainable ways to keep up with this growing demand while also keeping communities healthy. "From micro-farms to markets and buying wholesale ingredients, organizations say food banks and other programs like them are going to look much different in the future than they did when they first launched decades ago," shares this CBC article.
To help combat social isolation among seniors, Vince's Market (an Ontario-based grocer) has been hosting COVID-safe parties and providing an assortment of custom party trays to nearby retirement homes. "Social activities are a powerful tool against loneliness, and there’s nothing like good food – and good company – to rekindle some of the connections that may have been lost during the pandemic,” said Giancarlo Trimarchi, partner at Vince’s.
The Fair Finance Fund has launched a new Impact Series on the positive change the Fund is bringing to Ontario communities. In the stories, you'll learn about the entrepreneurs being invested in, and where the money goes to build a better food future for Ontario.
Students at Niagara College are looking to use applied science and technology to build better, safer cannabis products. The college's Canadian Food & Wine Institute (CWFI) Innovation Centre is working to contribute to advancing the body of scientific knowledge around this evolving market.
Ontario Agricultural Practices Farmer Survey

The Organic Council of Ontario (OCO) is surveying Ontario Farm Owners and Managers to gain a better understanding of the knowledge and types of agricultural practices used on Ontario Farms.

The survey should take no longer than seven minutes to complete, and those who participate will have a chance to win 1 of 3 prizes. Visit the OCO website here.
Funding Announcements
Are you looking to bring more local food into a school community?
Farm to Cafeteria Canada and the Whole Kids Foundation are now accepting applications for the fourth cycle of the Farm to School Canada Grants program.

These grants, which are delivered directly to schools, are valued at up to $10,000 each and are designed to bring more healthy, local foods into school communities.

Applications are open to all K-Gr. 12 schools in Canada! Learn more.
Funding for agri-food processing sector
The Ontario government has announced it will be investing $25 million over three years to strengthen the agri-food supply chain.

Starting in 2021-22, a Strategic Agri-Food Processing Fund will provide grants of up to $3 million to agri-food processing businesses to invest in capital, equipment and technology. The initiative aims to increase processing capacity and productivity while also enhancing the food security of Ontarians. Read more.

Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance