Strengthening Canada’s Food Supply Chains
Access to fresh, affordable and nutritious food is essential for families and communities. As food affordability continues to put pressure on household budgets, strengthening Canada’s food supply chains and supporting local producers are important steps toward building a more resilient food system.
In October, the Government of Canada announced the $1-billion Food-Link Fund, a key component of Canada’s first-ever National Food Security Strategy, launched by Prime Minister Mark Carney in June. Backed by $3.2 billion in investments over 10 years, the strategy aims to strengthen domestic food production, improve distribution and expand access to affordable food for Canadians.
The Food-Link Fund will help improve how food moves from producers to consumers by supporting infrastructure, strengthening regional distribution networks and creating more competitive options for farmers, independent grocers and food retailers.
The Fund includes two complementary programs. Through the Food Terminal Fund, the government will support the development or expansion of up to four major public wholesale food terminals across Canada. These large-scale marketplaces will connect suppliers and buyers, helping independent grocers access a reliable supply of competitively priced food.
The Food Hub Program will support 20 to 40 new or existing regional food hubs by investing in facilities, equipment and logistics. These hubs will help local and mid-sized producers store, process and distribute their products, connect with new markets and strengthen regional food networks.
Together, these initiatives aim to reduce distribution challenges, improve supply chain efficiency and create more opportunities for Canadian farmers and food businesses. Stronger connections between local producers and retailers can also help bring more Canadian-grown food to grocery stores and communities across the country. Our government recognizes the importance of a reliable and affordable food supply for families and businesses. By investing in food distribution infrastructure and supporting Canadian producers, we can help build a stronger, more competitive food system.
