A pair of local initiatives aimed at building community health will get some money from the provincial government.
B.C. government officials said the Columbia Valley Métis Chartered Community will get $5,000 while the City of Cranbrook will receive $15,000.
Cranbrook’s portion of the funding will be used to create a community food charter, which will itself be a step towards establishing better food security in the community.
“The goal of the community food charter and eventual food security plan is to provide education and awareness about the importance of a sustainable and equitable food system, while increasing opportunities for growing, preparing and processing local foods, reducing and reusing food waste, and supporting the conservation of resources, such as water, fossil fuels and soil, all with a lens of anti-racism,” said B.C. government officials.
Meanwhile, the Columbia Valley Métis Chartered Community will use its funding to foster healthy community relationships.
“[They will] host weekly community gatherings and three large community celebrations to foster healthy community connections between citizens and connect citizens to their heritage, Métis culture and traditions,” said B.C. government officials.
The projects are getting funded through the province’s PlanH program, with money coming from the B.C. Ministry of Health.
“The PlanH program supports local and Indigenous governments to create healthier communities through resources, practices and learning opportunities that focus on people, society and the environment,” said provincial officials.
22 projects across the province will share a total of $250,000 for projects that fall under their Community Connectedness; and Healthy Public Policy categories.
“It takes many people working together to build healthier communities,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “The PlanH program has been supporting local and Indigenous government initiatives that promote and foster healthy lifestyles. By supporting local projects, we are investing in people and preventative health care that will allow people throughout B.C. to live healthier lives.”
“Whether it’s eating healthier, signing up for a fitness class, or participating in policy discussions, we are eager to support communities across the province to create the conditions that facilitate healthy behaviours,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health. “We want the healthier choice to be the easier choice, no matter where you live.”