Provincial funding will help local not-for-profit expand its service and support more people in need

March 24, 2026

SIOUX LOOKOUT — The Ontario government is providing $500,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the Sioux Lookout Food Bank build a new 3,000-square-foot facility, ensuring it has the space to upgrade service and provide food to more community members in need. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to help build more resilient communities.

“Our government is strengthening northern communities and supporting not-for-profit organizations that help people in need,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This new food bank in Sioux Lookout will increase local capacity, improve food selection and help volunteers deliver better service.”

Almost five times bigger than its current workspace, the Sioux Lookout Food Bank is using NOHFC funding to construct a 3,000-square-foot distribution centre. The new building will have more storage and a designated space for people to see what food is available and pick up the items they need. The organization will be able to improve its food selection, better meet the needs of the community and operate more efficiently as volunteers will no longer need to deliver to clients.

“We are so incredibly thankful to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for their generous $500,000 contribution,” said Amanda Landgraff, Manager, Sioux Lookout Food Bank. “This support brings our dream of building a new food bank to life this year, helping expand access to food support while increasing the dignity of those we serve. Thank you for investing in a stronger, more nourished community!”

The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the north remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s investment of an additional $30 million over three years, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.

Quick Facts

• Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across northern Ontario.
• Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion in over 8,000 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,500 jobs.

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.