Non-profits in Ontario region share $750,000 in funding to fight food insecurity

Sixteen non-profit agencies helping families in Durham Region facing food insecurities will share $750,000 in funding from the region to promote wellness and help reduce poverty.

Six organizations will receive funding through the Sustainable Food Security Fund, which improves access to fresh, nutritious food for residents experiencing food insecurity. This fund supports initiatives that promote long-term solutions to improve food security.

• Feed the Need in Durham – Farmers Feed Communities, Farmers Need Communities Project
• Feed the Need in Durham – Vertical Farming Project
• Ignite Durham Learning Foundation
• Mannahelp
• We Grow Food
• Zion Christian Reformed Church

Another ten organizations will see their efforts funded through the Thriving Communities Fund, which supports initiatives that help prevent and/or reduce poverty. This fund is for operational and/or capacity-building activities that strengthen the ability to deliver programs and services.

• Afiwi Groove School
• Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-West Durham
• Blue Door
• Community Care Durham
• Durham Community Action Group
• Durham Youth Services
• Girls Inc. Durham
• GraceWins Peer Support
• Redemption House of Recovery

One in four households in Durham experiences food insecurity, and approximately 5.2 per cent of residents live in poverty and Durham Region Commissioner of Social Services Stella Danos-Papaconstantinou said the region remains “committed” to investing in the local non-profit sector.

“The Community Social Investment Program helps fund non-profit organizations that play a vital role in supporting residents. This $750,000 investment will strengthen their ability to deliver programs that improve food security and reduce poverty across Durham Region. By supporting these organizations, we’re helping build a stronger, more resilient community.”

For more information about the CSIP, visit durham.ca/CSIP.