EGANVILLE — On Friday, Aug. 1 the Ottawa Valley Food Co-Operative celebrated being awarded an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of $88,600 over one year to strengthen the local food economy and address food security issues in Renfrew County by enhancing the local food distribution system, developing food hubs, engaging the community, building partnerships and delivering community events.
“The local OTF Grant Review Team recognized the importance of this worthwhile project and recommended it for funding,” said John Yakabuski, MPP for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke. “The competition for Ontario Trillium Foundation funds is very strong at this time and your success in being awarded these funds is, therefore, a strong indication of the importance of your project to the community we serve.”
The Ottawa Valley Food Co-operative (OVFC) is a collaborative of farmers, market gardeners, producers and consumers. The OVFC envisions a local, sustainable food system, which is economically viable for producers and provides fresh, healthy food to consumers. The Co-op is governed by core values of healthy rural communities and vibrant local economies. Monthly on line ordering of local products are sorted and distributed to the locations across Renfrew County, as well as Ottawa.
MPP Yakabuski stated that he supports the goals of the Ottawa Valley Food Co-Operative and is delighted to become a lifetime member.
A leading grantmaker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities.
For more information about the Ottawa Valley Food Co-Operative or to become a member, please visit www.ovfc.com and for more information about the Ontario Trillium Foundation, please visit www.otf.ca.
