Backgrounder
In addition, foods from Canada are recognized worldwide for the highest standards of quality and food safety.
Responsible for one in eight jobs across the country, Canada's food sector is a powerhouse of the economy, particularly in rural communities.
But more needs to be done to improve our food system. Too many Canadians aren't able to reliably access sufficient amounts of healthy food. Too many children at school are trying to learn on empty stomachs.
And more than 11 million metric tons of food are wasted every year - worth nearly $50 billion.
The issues are complex. The Food Policy is a whole-of-government approach with the collaboration of many different groups to tackle the food issues that matter to Canadians.
Food Policy Investments and Initiatives
The Government of Canada is investing $134.4 million in a Food Policy that will shape a healthier and more prosperous future for Canadian families and communities:
- Local Food Infrastructure Fund - $50 million
To support a wide range of community-led projects that aim to improve access to safe, healthy, and culturally diverse food.
- Northern Isolated Community Initiatives Fund - $15 million
To support community-led projects like greenhouses, community freezers, and skills training to strengthen Indigenous food systems, and combat significant challenges in accessing healthy food in Canada's North.
- Buy Canadian Promotion Campaign - $25 million
To promote Canadian agricultural products thanks to a new Canada Brand, and through online and in-store Buy Canadian marketing campaigns, in order to increase consumer pride and confidence in Canadian food.
- Reducing Food Waste - $26.3 million
Working with experts to develop a challenge to fund the most innovative food waste reduction proposals in food processing, grocery retail, and food service - as well as leadership by the federal government to cut its own food waste.
- Tackling Food Fraud - $24.4 million
Cracking down on mislabeling and misrepresentation of food products, helping to protect consumers from deception and companies from unfair competition.
- National School Food Program
We are taking the first steps alongside provinces and not-for profit organizations towards the creation of a National School Food Program, to help improve the overall health of our children as they learn, leading to better futures for them, and ultimately for our country.
- Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council
Establishing an advisory body with the expertise and diversity needed to sustain momentum and dialogue on food-related issues that matter to Canadians. The Advisory Council will bring stakeholders and experts together to better understand diverse perspectives, work toward a common understanding of food issues, and facilitate collaborative action.
