Historic Investment in Food Security Supports British

British Columbia’s government is investing over $200 million in food security to ensure the people of the province have better access to an increased supply of affordable, local food.

The funds will be invested in new and enhanced programs to strengthen British Columbia’s food supply chain, expand local food production from producers to processors and packers to retailers, and help agricultural producers and food processors grow their businesses and become more resilient to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.

“Food security in British Columbia requires an available, affordable, and uninterrupted supply of nutritious food,” said Premier David Eby. “At the same time, we need targeted, effective programs that support the people and communities most impacted by rising inflation, climate events, and supply-chain shocks.”

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food will also be investing in Indigenous communities to help with the availability and cost of food and to improve local food security, particularly in remote and rural communities.

The investment aims to give British Columbians access to more nutritious, local, and affordable food while maintaining agriculture as a key economic driver in the province.

Furthermore, grants from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction are intended to strengthen food banks, food distribution, and food access.

This includes providing food to underserved communities through trusted partners, such as FoodBanks BC and the United Way, as well as increasing the availability of fresh food in rural, Northern, and Indigenous communities.

Food insecurity has increased due to COVID-19, inflation, supply-chain issues, and climate emergencies that interrupt food supply and production. This unprecedented investment recognizes the diverse challenges of food producers, processors, suppliers, retailers, and consumers, strengthening food security for everyone.

James Donaldson, CEO of BC Food and Beverage, said, “As we feel the continued strains of inflation and supply-chain interruptions with our food system, there is no greater time to invest in our food system in British Columbia.

“It is imperative that we continue to ensure all British Columbians are nourished, and our food system thrives,” Donaldson added. Michael McKnight, CEO of United Way BC, emphasized that “No one should have to go to bed worrying about how they will get their next meal or feed their families.”

He praised the funding, which will support the expansion of United Way BC’s 20 regional community food hubs, strengthen service delivery, and work closely with other social service agencies to help those in need.