
Nation Rebuilding Initiative
The Nation Rebuilding Initiative provides funding through two key programs: the Harvest Support Grant and the Community Food Fund, aimed at supporting communities in addressing food-related challenges.
The services offered primarily focus on communities and include various programs to enhance food security and promote sustainable practices. One prominent initiative is the Farm to Coast program, which seeks to shorten the food supply chain, reduce the distance food travels, and support bulk buying to secure better pricing for Northern communities.
The program enables local farmers to sell their products directly to the coast at farm gate prices, similar to what customers would pay at local farmers’ markets. Partnering with the Mushkegowuk Development Corporation (MDC), the program optimizes food supply logistics by sourcing low-cost food from various suppliers and distributing it to vulnerable families through community volunteers. This initiative also promotes community bulk buying in the North, supports local food entrepreneurs, and facilitates access to locally made packaged goods and shelf-stable items. It also connects schools with nutritious snacks and encourages families to harvest and live off the land for longer periods.
Another key program is the Indigenous Food Skills Training Program, which offers training and certifications such as the Culinary Service Worker Certificate and Hydroponics Training through the Social Innovation Hub at Northern College. Participants in this program benefit from paid work placements, childcare subsidies, and allowances for food service clothing.
Additional food initiatives include diaper and formula bulk buying, promoting coordinated efforts with MDC to secure better product quality and pricing for Northern communities. Recognizing the scarcity of commercial kitchens in the North, the organization actively seeks to support food entrepreneurs while encouraging community-driven solutions like bulk purchasing to enhance access to essential products.