Summary

• A food initiative in the Kootenays is receiving $76,000 to strengthen local supply chains, food security
• The initiative will help Grow and Connect Association remain sustainable over the long term and further develop an online platform that connects food producers, distributors and communities in the region
• The initiative is funded through the Province’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program

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People in the Kootenays will have more reliable access to local food, thanks to provincial support for the Grow and Connect Association’s Sustainability initiative.

Through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), the Province is providing $76,000 for the Grow and Connect Association’s sustainability initiative to strengthen local food supply chains and improve food security in the Kootenays.

“Strong local food systems help people access healthy, locally produced food and support jobs and businesses in rural communities,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “By investing in initiatives like this, we are building a sustainable foundation for the future, while strengthening food security in the region. Through our Look West strategy, we’re helping businesses grow, reach new markets and build more resilient local economies.”

Strengthening local food network in Kootenays

The initiative will help Grow and Connect Association develop an online platform that connects food producers, distributors and communities throughout the region. It will also improve its software tools and planning, strengthen its operations and enhance how it delivers services so it can better support local food systems over the long term.

“We have been working alongside communities and partners across B.C. to develop technology and pilot practical solutions that strengthen regional food supply chains,” said Damon Chouinard, president, Grow and Connect Association. “This investment will accelerate the growth of our platform, expand collaborative pilot projects and deliver real benefits for producers, buyers and communities. At a time when food security and economic resilience matter more than ever, we are proud to be building tools and partnerships that create lasting impact across rural B.C.”

Together, these efforts will help increase the capacity of local food networks to serve communities throughout the region. The initiative is expected to create one full-time and two part-time positions during the project period.

“We are connecting farmers and producers with distributors and communities to create more opportunities and partnerships throughout the Kootenays, so people have better access to local food grown and produced in the region,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “This investment is helping rural food security overcome barriers like high transportation costs by strengthening relationships between producers and buyers to improve how local food gets to the tables of families in our communities.”

The initiative will strengthen regional food networks, create new opportunities for local businesses and improve access to local food across the Kootenays.

“Local organizations play an incredibly important role in strengthening communities and supporting regional food systems,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central. “This funding will help support local food producers and communities while building a sustainable future across the Kootenays.”

Supporting economic diversification through REDIP

The Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program 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