At Second Harvest in Toronto, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced the two initial recipients of the up to $20-million federal Local Food Infrastructure Fund: Community Support Stream.

The initial recipients, Food Banks Canada and Second Harvest, will each receive up to $10 million in funding to further distribute through individual applications to eligible food banks and not-for-profit community-based organizations (known as ultimate recipients) to acquire and distribute food to families in need. Eligible community-based organizations are encouraged to use the Community Support Stream (CSS) Initial Recipient Finder to determine which organization best serves their geographic area and needs.

This funding is in addition to Canada’s first-ever National Food Security Strategy announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney on June 11, 2026. Backed by $3.2 billion in investments over 10 years, the Strategy will help tackle the root causes of food insecurity and improve our domestic self-sufficiency.

"We deeply appreciate Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's investment through the Local Food Infrastructure Fund: Community Support Stream,” says Lori Nikkel, CEO, Second Harvest. “As food becomes harder for people to afford, community organizations across Canada are working harder than ever to meet the need. This funding will help us get resources directly to grassroots organizations so they can provide nutritious, culturally appropriate food. With our national network of partners, we'll make sure this support reaches the communities that need it most, making good food accessible and barrier-free for people across the country."

Source:  Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada October 23, 2026 news release