Features Production Research
Ontario helping public connect with farmers

October 5, 2010, Toronto,
Ont – More local food will soon be available in the cafeterias of hospitals,
schools and other public institutions.

October 5, 2010, Toronto,
Ont – More local food will soon be available in the cafeterias of hospitals,
schools and other public institutions.

The Broader Public Sector
Investment Fund will help connect farmers, food processors, and distributors
with schools, hospitals, and municipalities to increase the amount of Ontario
food purchased by the broader public sector. This will help support Ontario
farmers and the agri-food industry.

The initiative will
include:

• Funds for local projects
  that encourage business between institutions and farmers.
• The development of an
  electronic marketplace that links buyers with sellers across Ontario
• A province-wide report to
  track positive support of local foods in the public sector.

The fund will be
administered by the Greenbelt Fund, a sister organization of the Friends of the
Greenbelt Foundation. The first round of applications will be accepted until
November 1, 2010. Learn more about the fund and out how to apply by visiting www.Ontariofresh.ca.