Local Food Infrastructure Fund — Large Scale Projects

📋 Eligible Entities - Agricultural producers and farming operations - Food processing businesses - Food distribution and logistics companies - Indigenous communities and organizations - Non-profit organizations focused on food security - Municipalities and local governments - Regional food hubs and cooperatives - Social enterprises with food security mandates - Organizations with demonstrated partnerships across the local food value chain Note: Applicants must demonstrate community benefit and partnership involvement as a core requirement. --- ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant Amount: $150,000 to $500,000 (non-repayable contribution) - Repayability: Non-repayable (no repayment obligation) - Matching Requirements: Typically requires applicant or partner co-investment (specific ratio to be confirmed with program guidelines) - Funding Structure: Single contribution disbursed upon project approval and milestone completion - Currency: Canadian dollars --- ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Infrastructure Development - Cold storage and refrigeration systems - Processing equipment and facilities - Distribution and logistics infrastructure - Food safety and quality assurance systems - Equipment Procurement - Food production and handling equipment - Transportation vehicles and logistics equipment - Technology infrastructure for traceability and supply chain management - Project Development - Professional services (engineering, design, feasibility studies) - Planning and assessment costs - Permitting and regulatory compliance - Partnership & Community Benefits - Training and capacity building programs - Community engagement initiatives - Food access programming --- ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Partnership Requirement: Projects must involve multiple partners across the food value chain (mandatory) - Scale Threshold: Projects must address infrastructure and equipment needs at a larger scale (not small, single-entity projects) - Community Food Security Focus: Clear demonstration of how the project improves local food security and access - Project Timeline: Typically 2-3 years from approval to completion - Reporting Obligations: Progress reports and milestone documentation required - Milestone Verification: Funding may be disbursed in tranches tied to project mil