The Northern Association of Community Councils (NACC) is working to improve access to healthy food in northern and remote communities. The Northern Healthy Foods Initiative (NHFI) is a community-based program that aims to:

  • improve access to local, healthy and traditional foods
  • strengthen community through local food initiatives

Building strong local food systems

A young woman stands in a garden with forest behind. In one had she holds a basket full of vegetable and in the other hand she shows off a fresh beet.

The NHFI encourages traditional and sustainable food practices. We work with local volunteers, elders and mentors to support knowledge-sharing and skills-learning. And we set people up with the tools and resources to succeed.

We support a variety of food skills:

  • gardening, seeding, and composting
  • poultry farming
  • beekeeping
  • hunting, fishing, and foraging
  • kitchen and food skills
  • traditional medicines

Explore programs and resources

Plan or attend a workshop

Background

In 2003, Manitoba’s Northern Food Prices Report noted the high cost of healthy groceries in northern communities. In response, the NHFI launched in 2004.

NACC was a lead partner for the NHFI Steering Committee, and manages the program for their member communities. Our partners are Bayline Regional Roundtable, Food Matters Manitoba, and Four Arrows Regional Health Authority. Frontier School Division also plays an important role.

Manitoba Government Municipal and Northern Relations (MNR) funds the NFHI. We provide NHFI programming for member communities within the MNR boundary.

NHFI Boundary Map

Community Food Champions

Six adults in hiking clothes stand in front of a trail head sign.

Community Food Champions (CFC) bring NHFI to their communities. They organize food programs and workshops that connect people with local knowledge keepers. 

Find your local CFC, or learn about being a CFC volunteer.

Community Food Champions

NHFI News

Read about the great work our Community Food Champions, councils, and community members are doing. We share recent activities, upcoming events, stories and tips in the News section. 

Sign up for the NACC newsletter to get highlights to your email. 

Connect With Us

To get involved or learn more, contact the NHFI Program Manager.

Partners and Support

Thanks to support from our partners and supporters for making NHFI possible.