The Connaught Youth Centre Association in Prince George has received $58,000 to support its Northern Fresh Food Centre project, which will provide food security to the neighbouring community through an indoor hydroponic growing unit.
The Connaught Youth Centre Association in Prince George has received $58,000 to support its Northern Fresh Food Centre project, which will help provide food security to the neighbouring community.
“What we're buying is an indoor growing unit that will allow us to grow food for the community all year round,” said Catherine Kendall, executive director of the Connaught Youth Centres Association.
The unit, costing approximately $150,000, will be used to produce up to 480 fresh vegetable plants every four to six weeks, which will be distributed to at-risk children, youth and their families, a vital need for those living with food insecurity.
Funding comes from the Community Spaces program through Federated Cooperatives Limited, which this year provided support to 14 organizations across Western Canada. The local Four Rivers Cooperative recently presented a cheque for $58,000 to the Connaught Youth Centres Association (CYC).
“We're really grateful for the funding,” Kendall said.
“It's going to be a bit of a challenge for us to raise the remaining funds. We've looked at a few options and it looks very good. Food security is a top priority for many communities in the north.”
CYC hopes to secure the remaining funding for the hydroponic unit within the next year, she added.
“We're very excited,” Kendall said.
Food security is a growing concern in communities where many people lack reliable access to sufficient affordable and nutritious food.
“Supporting the Connaught Youth Centre Association's mission to provide essential healthy vegetable options to young people is one step towards addressing this crisis,” Federated Cooperatives Ltd said in a press release. “By helping young people access nutritious food, we help lay the foundation for better health and development.”
If you would like to help raise funds for the hydroponic unit, please contact us at connaughtyouth@gmail.com.
