Ontario Partners with Innovative FoodShare Toronto to Support Healthy Nutrition

September 15, 2015

Local Poverty Reduction Fund Supports Community-Driven Poverty Solutions

Ontario is partnering with FoodShare Toronto to help low-income Ontarians save money and eat healthier by delivering vegetables and fruit.

Through the Local Poverty Reduction Fund, Ontario is investing up to $112,000 over a year and a half in FoodShare Toronto’s innovative programs.

FoodShare Toronto will evaluate two existing food support programs and measure their success in helping to provide a better quality of life for people affected by poverty. FoodShare Toronto will also determine how to expand existing programs to reach more communities.

Evidence gathered from this project and others will be used to support poverty reduction programs across the province that have been proven to work and that can expand over time.

Fighting poverty is part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives and building a secure savings plan.

Quick Facts

• The Local Poverty Reduction Fund supports innovative and sustainable local programs that use community partnerships to support those who are disproportionately affected by poverty, including: women, single parents, people with disabilities, youth, newcomers, visible minorities, seniors and Aboriginal Peoples.
• Organizations have two more opportunities to apply for funding in 2016 and 2017.

Additional Resources

• Local Poverty Reduction Fund
• View a video of Minister Matthews talking about the fund
• Realizing Our Potential: Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy

Quotes

“FoodShare Toronto is a pioneer when it comes to innovative food programs. With this funding, FoodShare Toronto will evaluate and measure their success in helping provide a better quality of life for people and determine how they can expand and bring good, healthy food to more communities in need.”

Deb Matthews
Deputy Premier, President of the Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy

“Poverty remains a persistent problem in Ontario, which is why we welcome the Ontario government’s focus on poverty reduction initiatives.”

Debbie Field
Executive Director, FoodShare Toronto

“FoodShare Toronto continues to be an invaluable advocate and provider of affordable and accessible food in Davenport. Our province’s substantial investment at FoodShare Toronto will undoubtedly bring unprecedented benefits to communities in need in our community and across the city.”

Cristina Martins
Member of Provincial Parliament for Davenport

Media Contacts
Leslie O’Leary
Minister’s Office
416-327-0345

Ann Doose
Communications Branch
416-326-8533

NT5