The Manitoba government is investing more than $97,000 through the From the Ground Up – Safe, Healthy Communities for ALL program in the Northern Association of Community Councils (NACC) to expand the Northern Healthy Foods Initiative (NHFI), Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced today.
“Access to healthy, affordable food is essential for strong, thriving northern communities,” said Simard. “By supporting NACC’s expanded Northern Healthy Foods Initiative, our government is helping communities lead their own food sovereignty planning, identify local champions and build long‑term solutions rooted in their strengths. These consultations and community‑driven activities will ensure northern voices guide the path forward, and I’m proud that this investment will help create more secure, sustainable food systems across the north.”
The NACC will expand the program by furthering community consultations and programming with seven communities in northern Manitoba. This spring, NACC began community consultations with seven northern, unincorporated communities that do not currently receive support through the NHFI.
The Northern Food Sovereignty Consultation involves directly engaging with the seven interested communities, as well as identifying community food champions and council allies. Visits to each of the seven communities are scheduled for this year.
The consultations will include community-based meetings, sharing circles and food-sovereignty workshops to identify existing strengths and gaps in the community. The pilot program for the first phase will begin in January 2027. The second phase is comprised of consultation and pilot programs with the remaining communities.
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