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To support food sovereignty in schools, Farm to Cafeteria Canada is offering up to $20,000 in grants to Indigenous schools to cultivate, harvest and transmit food knowledge to students.
Supporting Indigenous food sovereignty
Food sovereignty has to do with communities’ capacity to obtain healthful, culturally appropriate food thanks to sustainable food production and agri-food policies that centre producers and consumers within the local food system. With the Farm to Cafeteria Canada grants, Indigenous schools will be able to grow, harvest and prepare appropriate food while involving students, Elders and the community in the process. The aim is to pass along traditional knowledge, strengthen food autonomy and create a sustainable connection to the land.
🌱 Which traditional Indigenous foods are targeted by this project?
Plants, along with game and fish from local lands and waterways, are the primary foods. The availability of this healthful and accessible food will encourage students to develop their Indigenous food practices and their food literacy.
Flexible funding for culturally centred projects
The grants, ranging from $500 to $20,000, will support projects geared to the needs of the Indigenous schools, in such areas as educational activities, infrastructures and equipment. They will fund such initiatives as growing and harvesting food, involving Elders in teaching and putting in place school food services. This flexible support also will enable schools to develop projects steeped in indigenous food knowledge and practices.
How to apply for and obtain a grant
The process of applying is easy and accessible. It is designed to meet the needs of Indigenous schools. Here are the main steps:
Read the eligibility criteria
Interested schools must ensure they meet all the eligibility criteria by reading the document About the Grants.
Make sure:
- You meet all eligibility criteria
- That the school management and team members who will be involved in implementing the program have been involved in developing this grant application and that they support it.
Expression of interest
Interested schools must first submit an expression of interest online between February 3 and March 28, 2025.
Complete and submit the final application
Schools must complete and submit the online form detailing their initiative, its impact and its connection to Indigenous food sovereignty, with the option of including one or more videos describing their program proposal. All applications must be received no later than March 28 at 11:59 pm (PST).
Selection and funding
Only accepted projects will receive funding and support for their implementation between 2025 and 2027.
Contact
For further information, please contact
Project Manager, Sustainable Food
Conseillère, Alimentation durable
