Building a healthier future: Durham Region commits $750K to food security and poverty initiatives

Whitby, Ontario – In Durham Region, one in four households experiences food insecurity, and approximately 5.2 per cent of residents live in poverty. To promote wellness and help reduce poverty, Regional Council approved a $750,000 investment in local non-profit organizations this year.

This investment comes via the Sustainable Food Security Fund and the Thriving Communities Fund, within the Community Social Investment Program.

The Sustainable Food Security Fund improves access to fresh, nutritious food for residents experiencing food insecurity. This fund supports initiatives that promote long-term solutions to improve food security.

Recipients of this year’s Sustainable Food Security Fund include:

• Feed the Need in Durham - Farmers Feed Communities, Farmers Need Communities Project.
• Feed the Need in Durham - Vertical Farming Project.
• Ignite Durham Learning Foundation.
• Mannahelp.
• We Grow Food.
• Zion Christian Reformed Church.

The Thriving Communities Fund supports initiatives that help prevent and/or reduce poverty. This fund is for operational and/or capacity-building activities that strengthen the ability to deliver programs and services.

Recipients of this year’s Thriving Communities Fund include:

• Afiwi Groove School.
• Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of South West Durham.
• Blue Door.
• Community Care Durham.
• Durham Community Action Group.
• Durham Youth Services.
• DurhamONE.
• Girls Inc. Durham.
• GraceWins Peer Support.
• Redemption House of Recovery.

The Region of Durham remains committed to investing in the local non-profit sector to help grow strong, resilient communities.

For more information about the CSIP, visit durham.ca/CSIP.

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“The Community Social Investment Program helps fund non-profit organizations that play a vital role in supporting residents. This $750,000 investment will strengthen their ability to deliver programs that improve food security and reduce poverty across Durham Region. By supporting these organizations, we’re helping build a stronger, more resilient community.”

-  Stella Danos-Papaconstantinou, Commissioner of Social Services, Region of Durham.

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