Volker Kromm, Executive Director, RFDA Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth George Pirie, Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland, Building Hope Campaign Chair Burno Niederer , with campaign members, and Tom Jones Construction team members - (CJ Goater/Acadia Broadcasting)
The provincial government is providing some support to the Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA) through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.
The RFDA is receiving $2 million to support the construction of its expanding facility.
“The Building Hope project at the RFDA will have a major impact on our region and the 60 organizations, First Nations and regional communities that are supported by our efforts,” said Volker Kromm, Executive Director, RFDA. “The 5,200 square foot building expansion will greatly increase our capacity to deliver food throughout the region and help with our goal of food security and assisting those in need.”
The funding is being used to renovate the existing facility and build an addition to accommodate more food storage.
The project will also facilitate the expansion of job training and food education programming.
“Our government is continuing to make investments to support the health and well-being of our communities,” said Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth George Pirie. “By working hand-in-hand with the Regional Food Distribution Association of Northwestern Ontario, we are ensuring food-insecure communities and First Nations within the region have access to nutritious food, contributing to healthy and active lifestyles.”
The RFDA serves communities across the region, including First Nations communities, increasing access to food.
The expansion at the RFDA is a part of the Building Hope Campaign.
The new facility is set to be equipped with a new community kitchen, fire pit, barbeque, and oven.
There is also going to be a new community room that will include a living green wall.
The space is designed to be multi-functional, serving as a meeting place, conference room, ceremonial circle, celebration space, and more.
According to the RFDA, they are still in the process of raising between $1.5 million and $2 million to support the project.
If the project remains on schedule the hope is to open the expansion in the fall.
The NOHFC fosters economic growth, job creation and workforce development throughout the North, benefiting communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.
Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $905 million in 7,309 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.8 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 11,210 jobs.
