The federal government is putting $1.6 million into projects aimed at boosting regional food systems in the Yukon. Funding was announced March 7 in a notice from the federal government.
The Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in (TH) First Nation Government is getting $875,000 over three years to make upgrades at its farm. The funding will go towards greenhouse improvements and the construction of a cold storage facility that will be used to preserve food after harvest.
“Both improvements will help the farm boost its yields and sell more fresh foods to Dawson City residents, increasing the farm’s revenues and improving access to local nutritious food in the region. The TH Government is contributing $425,000 for a total project cost of $1.3 million.”
The Yukon First Nation Education Directorate (YFNED) will use federal funding to purchase a purpose-built van for use on its Urban Nutrition Program.
“The van will support the efficient and safe delivery of over 1,700 daily meals to Indigenous students at nine Whitehorse schools. This Indigenous-led project focuses on strengthening the territory’s food ecosystem and improving food security for Indigenous students and families,” the funding announcement reads.
The federal government is putting up $170,600 while YFNED contributes $42,600.
Another funding recipient is a two-year project for the Arctic Institute of North America (AINA) to develop and test an off-grid hydroponic farming system. Tests will be undertaken at an AINA facility located at Silver City near Kluane Lake. Along with testing, the funded program will feature local training, community programming, published research and a feasibility plan for the use of off-grid hydroponics in communities surrounding the research site. AINA is putting $80,700 into the project while the federal government contributes $305,000.
Riverside Grocery, located in Whitehorse, is getting money for upgraded refrigeration and freezer equipment aimed at allowing them to sell more local products. The government is matching Riverside’s $234,000 contribution.
Ali Cat Catering, a Whitehorse catering business, is getting $79,000 in support of a two-year project towards the renovations and equipment purchases necessary to get them a commercial kitchen. The business will match what the government is providing.
“Enhancing the Yukon’s food systems strengthens community wellbeing and economic resilience, as it supports local agriculture and reduces reliance on external food sources. Our government is investing in projects that use local knowledge and innovation to improve food sovereignty and encourage healthy, locally sourced food choices among Yukoners,” Yukon MP Brendan Hanley said.
Contact Jim Elliot at jim.elliot@yukon-news.com
