Halifax long-term care facility gets funding to boost use of locally produced food
Nova Scotia is looking to move toward its goal of having 20 per cent of food purchases come from local sources by 2030 through a new financial incentive for institutions with large kitchens.
Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow announced a $250,000 program Friday that will be piloted for three months at Halifax-based long-term care facility Northwood.
Morrow said the Northwood residence is getting up to $25,000 from the program, which is expected to be expanded to other nursing homes as well as public schools, hospitals, universities and correctional facilities.
"We've got work to do to hit that target, and so we figured why not start with some of the biggest kitchens in the province," the minister told reporters.
Morrow said Northwood will get $12,500 to help cover startup costs and the remaining half of its allocation as it begins to add more local food to its offerings for residents.
"For me it's simple," he said. "Big kitchens -- big impact."
He said future allocations will be based on the size of an institution, so organizations could get less or more in financial support depending on the need.
Morrow said his department is working with the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture and provincial processors to ensure supply will meet the eventual demand.
Stephanie Hefford, Northwood's manager of food production, said the 385-resident facility currently gets about 18 per cent of its food through local sources. She said the provincial incentive will help the facility with its costs and it's hoped the program will boost Northwood's use of local food by another five per cent.
"It's the behind-the-scenes work that's been a little more difficult, getting it (food) from the farm to a truck to Northwood," she said. "Buying local isn't cheap and the incentive will definitely help."
In particular, Hefford said the facility is looking to increase its use of local protein foods such as meat, fish and dairy products.
"We are looking at smaller vendors (farms) and how we can get them into our larger facilities," she said.
As far as the overall provincial purchasing target, Morrow said his department is continuing work to determine how much local meat and produce is currently being purchased by Nova Scotians in order to set a baseline figure to work from when it releases a food and beverage strategy.
"It's a complex number to figure out ... we would hope to have a preliminary figure by next month," he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 9, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.