Summary

• A food-procurement initiative in the Kootenays is receiving approximately $65,000 to help schools and community programs buy more local food
• The initiative will support the local food industry and strengthen the regional food economy
• The initiative is funded through the Province’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program 

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Local food producers in the Kootenays will have more opportunities to grow and reach more customers close to home, thanks to provincial support for a food-procurement social enterprise initiative.

Through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), the Province is providing nearly $65,000 to support Kootenay Food Council’s Kootenay Regional Food Procurement Social Enterprise Initiative, making it easier for schools and community programs to buy food from local producers.

“People and businesses in rural communities are looking for new ways to grow and stay competitive,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “By investing in initiatives like this, we’re helping connect more local food to communities, while supporting farmers and producers to grow and succeed.  Through our Look West strategy, we’re supporting people to grow their businesses, expand new markets and build stronger, more resilient local economies.”

Strengthening local food systems in the Kootenays

The initiative will help connect schools and community programs with producers in the region, making it easier to buy affordable local food.

“Strong local food systems depend on strong relationships,” said Danielle Soucie, procurement co-ordinator, Kootenay Food Council. “The Kootenay Food Procurement Network has demonstrated that regional collaboration can increase purchasing power, reduce barriers to sourcing local food and create new opportunities for producers. This funding will help us explore a social enterprise model that builds on that momentum, strengthening local supply chains, expanding market opportunities and increasing the amount of Kootenay-grown food reaching schools, food banks, meal programs and communities across the region.”

By streamlining procurement and distribution, the initiative will create new business opportunities for local producers, processors and transport companies, strengthening the regional food economy.

“Farmers are at the heart of our communities, and strengthening their connections with schools and community programs will create real benefits throughout the Kootenays,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “This work helps create reliable markets for local producers, builds stronger regional supply chains and ensures more people have access to fresh, nutritious, locally grown products. It’s an important step toward a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system in rural B.C.”

Together, these efforts will help build stronger local supply chains, improve access to fresh local food and support sustainable, long-term economic growth throughout the Kootenays.

“People in the Kootenays care about where their food comes from,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central. “This funding will help more schools and community programs access fresh, local food. By improving how local food is distributed, this initiative will help farmers reach more customers and strengthen the regional food system.”

Supporting economic diversification through REDIP

REDIP supports economic diversification and resilience, strengthens economic capacity and supports infrastructure development in rural and Indigenous communities in B.C.

Since 2022, the Province has invested $156.5 million through REDIP, supporting 525 projects throughout B.C. and creating an estimated 7,500 jobs in rural communities.

Learn More:

• To learn more about the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program and see the lists of approved projects, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/redip