The Complices Alimentaires has been selected as one of ten organizations to share over $11.8 million in funding through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Healthy Canadian and Communities Fund.
The fund supports projects that address unhealthy eating habits, physical inactivity, the use of tobacco products, and health inequalities that place people at greater risk of developing chronic diseases. All ten of the organizations share a common goal of improving access to nutritiously beneficial foods and healthy eating habits.
“Promoting healthy eating and preventing chronic disease is one of our top priorities, and all the organizations that we are supporting will help advance an integrated approach to healthy living,” said the federal health minister, Mark Holland. “These organizations are supporting environments that make it easier for people to make healthy food choices and increase physical activity, which supports both physical and mental health,” he added.
The Complices Alimentaires will receive $470,581 over 48 months to support and expand its distribution network and points of sale for processed unsold and surplus fruits and vegetables. The funds will allow the non-profit organization to continue to distribute its frozen products to low-income households, through a direct-to-public sales network via organizations or institutions assisting those experiencing food insecurity.
The funding will help the organization respond to local food issues by increasing the quality, diversity, and quantity of healthy foods available in locations frequented by individuals living on limited or low incomes, such as schools and community organizations within five MRCs in the Montérégie-Ouest. The project will also improve understanding of nutrition labels and promote the use of simple recipes. (SR)