How Indigenous communities and organizations can access food security funding in Canada

How Indigenous communities and organizations can access food security funding in Canada

Food insecurity is a serious challenge for many Indigenous communities in Canada. Remote and northern regions face higher food costs and fragile supply chains. Federal funding programs now place a clear priority on Indigenous-led food projects. These projects must be community-driven and aim to improve access to local, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food. One of the best options is the Local Food Infrastructure Fund — Small Scale Projects, which offers non-repayable funding for practical food initiatives.

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Understanding food security funding for Indigenous-led projects

Food security funding supports projects that build stronger local food systems. For Indigenous communities and organizations, this means supporting traditional food practices, community food production, and shared infrastructure.

Who can apply

The Local Food Infrastructure Fund — Small Scale Projects is for not-for-profit organizations. Eligible applicants include:

• Indigenous governments and councils
• Indigenous not-for-profit organizations
• Community associations and food centres
• Indigenous-led charities or incorporated non-profits

For-profit businesses are not eligible under this stream.

Project focus and requirements

To qualify, projects must meet all of these requirements:

• Strengthen community food security
• Increase access to local, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food
• Include a food production element
• Be locally driven and respond to local food security priorities

The program gives priority to projects serving equity-deserving groups. There is a special focus on Indigenous and Black communities.

Examples of eligible Indigenous-focused projects include:

• Community gardens or greenhouses that support traditional foods
• Shared freezers or cold storage for harvested or hunted foods
• Small-scale food processing equipment for community use
• Infrastructure that supports harvesting, growing, or distributing local food

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Local Food Infrastructure Fund — Small Scale Projects: key details

The Local Food Infrastructure Fund — Small Scale Projects is managed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Funding amount

• $25,000 to $100,000 per project
• Can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs
• Applications under $25,000 (after ineligible costs are removed) are not considered

Type of funding

• Non-repayable contribution (grant)

Eligible costs

• Infrastructure and equipment directly tied to food production
• Installation costs for approved equipment
• Other capital expenses that improve food access

Operating costs not tied to infrastructure are usually not eligible.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher help organizations check if their structure and project fit the program before applying.

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How Indigenous organizations can prepare a strong application

A strong application connects the project to community needs and long-term food security. Use these tips:

• Community leadership: Show that the project is Indigenous-led and supported by the community.
• Cultural relevance: Explain how the project supports traditional foods or food practices.
• Practical impact: Describe how many people will benefit and how access to food will improve.
• Readiness: Demonstrate that your organization can purchase, install, and maintain the infrastructure.

Include letters of support from community leaders or partner organizations. These letters show local demand and help your application stand out.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying as a for-profit entity
   The funding stream is only for not-for-profit organizations. Applications from businesses are not accepted.

2. No clear food production element
   Projects focused only on distribution or education, without production infrastructure, are unlikely to qualify.

3. Budgeting below the minimum threshold
   Requests under $25,000 are not considered. Make sure your project meets the minimum budget requirement.

4. Weak connection to community priorities
   Applications that do not clearly reflect local Indigenous food needs often score poorly.

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FAQ

Q: Can First Nations, Inuit, or Métis governments apply directly?
Yes. Indigenous governments and councils are eligible if they apply as not-for-profit entities and the project meets program criteria.

Q: Is the funding limited to on-reserve projects?
No. Projects can be on- or off-reserve as long as they serve Indigenous communities and strengthen local food security.

Q: Does the Local Food Infrastructure Fund cover 100% of costs?
Yes. This stream can fund up to 100% of eligible project costs. No matching funds are required.

Q: Are traditional food systems considered “food production”?
They can be. Projects that support harvesting, storage, or preparation of traditional foods may qualify if they involve infrastructure and improve access to food.

Q: Is this funding taxable?
The funding is a non-repayable contribution. Tax treatment depends on your organization’s legal and tax status.

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How to Get Started

Food security funding for Indigenous communities is focused on local leadership and lasting infrastructure. The Local Food Infrastructure Fund — Small Scale Projects is a good starting point if your organization is planning a community-based food initiative.

GrantHub tracks active food security and Indigenous-focused grant programs across Canada. Checking which programs fit your community, location, and project goals can help you focus your efforts on the best opportunities.

See also:

• How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
• What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?