Schools, post-secondary, healthcare institutions and Crown corporations collectively purchase millions of dollars’ worth of food annually, yet little is known around how much local food has been purchased. At the same time, their large purchasing power and role as public facilities put institutions in a unique position to be positive drivers for growing our local...Read More

At Brant-Argyle School in Argyle, Man., the chicken club is not a tasty sandwich — it’s a program that teaches kids about raising chickens. The school has received a conditional use variance that allows children to keep chickens in an outdoor coop in the schoolyard in the hamlet of Argyle, 40 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. Grade 5 student...Read More

It’s not unusual to see classes held outdoors at Alonsa Community School. Students regularly eat their lunch there too. That’s because what they’re learning — and what they’re eating — comes from the school’s yard. Two years ago, this tiny school of 130 students decided to dig up part of the schoolyard lawn and fill...Read More

Many competing interests drive the food system at the University of Manitoba. Here the Manitoban attempts to break down some of the complexities of competing interests and concerns, barriers, and drivers of what has been called the “campus food revolution.” Read More… Dana Hatherly November 11, 2015Read More

Photo: East-Selkirk Middle School students are learning about local foods while raising money and food donations for their community. The 6th annual Farm to School Manitoba Healthy Choice Fundraiser program is kicking off and helping kids feed families and raise money at the same time. The program is a fundraiser for schools and daycares across the province....Read More

This Community Gardener’s Guidebook is an easy-to-follow guide for beginner gardeners. This month to month guide provides detailed instructions on gardening, as well as tips on growing seeds indoors, watering and composting. Links to online gardening resources are also offered in the guide. By the North End Food Security Network Read More…Read More

Many fruit crops introduced to northern Manitoba by gardeners can survive and produce fruit. The major challenges in growing introduced fruit are extreme weather and a short growing season. Success at gardening in northern regions has more to do with choosing the best locations, keeping soils fertile and well-watered, using hardy plant stock and investing...Read More

Institutions, such as universities, play an important role in food system change, whether it’s because they are publicly funded, or because stakeholders, such as students and administration can influence purchasing policies and practices within the institution. We sat down with Ben Kramer (Chef) and Kirsten Godbout (Manager of Food Operations) to learn more about their food...Read More

Above: Eight L-shape raised beds provide lots of growing opportunity for the students of Grosvenor Elementary School, Winnipeg. Photo: Mark Klassen It’s great to see how many people in Winnipeg want to engage youth and community in the act of growing food. We are fortunate to be able to help some of those folks in their...Read More

Wondering who can supply you with local berries in January? Or maybe you’re looking for pasture-raised pork for your home economics class? Or perhaps you’re looking for someone who needs local oats year round? Thanks to Get Fresh, a networking event hosted by Food Matters Manitoba, producers and purchasers are now better able to answer...Read More