From Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced a Government of Canada investment of $535,000 to help Muskoka North Good Food Co-op purchase new equipment and expand to meet demand.
Provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, this targeted investment will allow the organization to acquire a second modular farm pod, purchase and install a walk-in cooler and freezer, and establish a micro-bakery. This strategic initiative is helping the co-op double in size, increase profitability, enhance efficiencies, and create five full-time jobs. Once complete, this priority project will help ensure local families have improved access to safe, reliable, fresh and nutritious foods.
Based in Huntsville, Muskoka North Good Food Co-op places community benefit alongside profitability and connects local farmers to a growing consumer base through a grocery retail market, café, and commercial production kitchen. As a community-owned grocery store & food hub, the co-op provides sustainable, ethical, and good food for the communities it serves.
“Today’s investment of $535,000 will support Northern Ontario’s agriculture industry and ensure that local families in Huntsville and Muskoka will have consistent access to safe, reliable, fresh and nutritious foods from local famers and producers throughout the region,” said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.
“We’re proud to be building capacity by expanding Muskoka North Good Food Co-op at this stage in our development, and FedNor funding was pivotal in helping make this happen! At the heels of our Co-op’s 7th Anniversary, the grand opening of our newly expanded space will be a celebration of co-operative dedication, collaboration and regional food systems growth,” said Kelli Ebbs, Manager of Muskoka North Good Food Co-op. “We’ll be unveiling an array of new equipment and upgraded facilities which will allow us to create greater impact and better serve health conscious families and community members. Supporting our region’s farm and agri-food producers continues to make it easier for people to access fresh, nutritious foods while building a strong and sustainable agri-food sector in Muskoka.”
Quick facts
- The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), which invests in projects led by municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions that support community economic development, diversification, job creation and self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario.
- The Government of Canada’s Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario identifies investing in building the economic development capacity of municipalities and Indigenous communities in the region as a key action.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox so you don’t miss anything!
Click here to support local news
0 Comments