Durham Region has approved a $750,000 investment in local non-profit organizations this year to help address food insecurity and reduce poverty.
According to the region, one in four households in Durham experiences food insecurity, and about 5.2 per cent of residents live in poverty. The funding was approved through the Sustainable Food Security Fund and the Thriving Communities Fund, both part of the Community Social Investment Program.
The Sustainable Food Security Fund focuses on improving access to fresh, nutritious food for residents and supporting long-term food security solutions. Recipients this year 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 prevent or reduce poverty through operational or capacity-building activities. This year’s recipients 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