More local food will soon be available in the cafeterias of hospitals, schools and other public institutions.

The Broader Public Sector Investment Fund will help connect farmers, food processors, and distributors with schools, hospitals, and municipalities to increase the amount of Ontario food purchased by the broader public sector. This will help support Ontario farmers and the agri-food industry.

The initiative will include:

• Funds for local projects that encourage business between institutions and farmers.
• The development of an electronic marketplace that links buyers with sellers across Ontario
• A provincewide report to track positive support of local foods in the public sector.

The fund will be administered by the Greenbelt Fund, a sister organization of the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation. The first round of applications will be accepted until November 1, 2010. Learn more about the fund and out how to apply by visiting www.Ontariofresh.ca.

A strong agri-food industry that supports local farmers is part of the Open Ontario plan to create jobs and opportunities that will boost the province’s economy.

• According to a recent Environics study, 80 per cent of Ontarians polled said that ensuring a local food source is very important to them.
• Ontario farmers produce more than 200 commodities, many of which are also processed in the province.
• October 4 to 10, 2010 is Agriculture Week.

• Find out about how you can celebrate Agriculture Week, which runs October 4 to 10, 2010
• Discover how to store, prepare and serve Ontario food.