Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and United Way Northumberland are teaming up to put a dent in hunger locally – particularly, in rural areas across the county.
Farm Credit Canada recently announced a $1.5-million injection for 81 rural capital projects across the nation through its AgriSpirit Fund. As part of this, United Way is receiving $19,000 to expand cold storage capacity across the county, helping to reduce food waste and improve rural access to fresh, rescued and frozen food.
United Way Northumberland executive director Alicia Vandine tells us more.
What’s more, monies are funneling through at a time of record-high need, notes Vandine.
In terms of what expanding cold storage looks like, it means help with purchases for new commercial grade freezers and the like in hubs in area communities. Vandine adds they’ll be working closely with area food banks and communities to ensure additions are tailored to specific needs, recognizing many food banks are limited in space.
Vandine also notes that there will be emphasis on certain communities.
“We’re really looking at rural areas to be able to give them some dollars that are much-needed because they don’t necessarily have the resources right in their community.”
“United Way is very committed to its Northumberland Eats funding strategies,” continues Vandine, explaining there are five streams and this grant fits under the “thrive” portion, which is ultimately about helping organizations/projects that work with infrastructure and tools needed to further their reach.
This year, the FCC AgriSpirit Fund awarded between $10,000 and $25,000 to various community improvement initiatives aimed at enriching the lives of residents in cities, towns or Indigenous communities with fewer than 150,000 people. Over the last 22 years, the fund has supported 1,778 projects, representing a reported investment of $24 million.
“Every AgriSpirit Fund project reflects a community coming together to solve a need,” said Allison Nesbitt, senior vice-president of ag production at FCC. “We are proud to play our part in supporting those efforts and contributing to these essential spaces, services and infrastructure that help rural communities thrive.
“These projects show what’s possible when local vision and national support work hand in hand.”
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
