“Province investing in Regional Food Distribution Association”

THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is providing $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHFC) to help the Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA) of Northwestern Ontario expand its facility. This investment will help to increase access to nutritious food for communities, including remote First Nations communities, and is part of the government’s ongoing investments to strengthen and protect communities in the north and across Ontario.

“Our government is continuing to make investments to support the health and well-being of our communities,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “By working hand-in-hand with the Regional Food Distribution Association of Northwestern Ontario, we are ensuring food-insecure communities and First Nations within the region have access to nutritious food, contributing to healthy and active lifestyles.”

Funding for the RFDA will be used to renovate the existing facility and build an addition to accommodate more food storage. The project will also facilitate the expansion of job training and food education programming.

“The Building Hope project at the RFDA will have a major impact on our region and the 60 organizations, First Nations and regional communities that are supported by our efforts,” said Volker Kromm, Executive Director, RFDA. “The 5,200 square foot building expansion will greatly increase our capacity to deliver food throughout the region and help with our goal of food security and assisting those in need.”

“Access to nutritious food is essential for the well-being of our communities. I’m pleased that our government is supporting the RFDA as they work to meet the growing needs of Northwestern Ontario,” said Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan “This investment will help improve their capacity to deliver food and provide practical training opportunities. Thank you to the team at the RFDA for the important role they play in supporting communities across our region.”

The NOHFC fosters economic growth, job creation and workforce development throughout the North, benefiting communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $905 million in 7,309 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.8 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 11,210 jobs.

Quick Facts

• Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across Northern Ontario.
• To support continued economic development in the North, the Ontario government announced a $10 million increase to the NOHFC’s annual operating budget for the next three fiscal years, along with the expansion of NOHFC programming eligibility to the District of Muskoka.
• The Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA) was formed in June 2003 to develop and implement a coordinated strategy for the delivery of donated food to community organizations that provide for those in need in the Thunder Bay region.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.

Media Contacts

Sam McCormick, Minister’s Office
Sam.McCormick@ontario.ca

Media Desk, Communications Branch
mediadesk.MNEDG@ontario.ca