Grants available for nutritious local food projects

Provincial grants are available to fund projects that connects Islanders to nutritious local food.

The Community Food Security Program will help community groups, schools, early child-care centres and other organizations provide information about where local food comes from and how it is produced. The program offers grants up to $10,000 for projects that increase access to local food products.

Applications can be made at www.princeedwardisland.ca/ foodsecurity. The deadline is May 25.

The program is aimed at promoting good nutrition and healthy food choices, build community self-reliance and link farmers to consumers.

During the last fiscal year, the program invested $120,000 in 17 projects across the province to promote food security and food education. More than 2,600 people participated in the projects.

“The farmers of Prince Edward Island welcome this important initiative,” said P.E.I.

Federation of Agriculture executive director Robert Godfrey. “Connecting Islanders to their local farming community by promoting local food products must be commended.”

After some encouragement from her mother, she went to the graduation ceremony where she was awarded a full scholarship to Holland College for the child and youth care worker program. After graduating from the college in June 2007, McGrath Myers was employed in social services with the provincial government, working in child protection at group homes. She then worked with the Strength Program for several years, a program that offers a range of programming (residential and day treatment) and supports for youth and families dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues.

McGrath Myers said the journey through adult education has done so much for her.

“It was a significant and tangible life change for me and my children. I regained my selfesteem, I fulfilled a life goal of getting my high school education, I got to choose where my dreams of a career would take me,” she said, adding the financial improvement meant her family could be warm, pay the bills and buy good food. “To say going back to school changed my life is an understatement.”

Every one of McGrath Myers’ children has received, or is pursuing, a post-secondary education. Her story is featured prominently on the alliance’s new website, pei.literacy.ca.