We work with communities to create local, healthy, sustainable food programs. Our programs help communities to set up and get started. They may include learning, resources, supplies, and equipment.
Explore these programs and resources to help you get started.
Learn more about the Northern Healthy Foods Initiative (NHFI)
Gardening Program
The Gardening Program provides access to vegetable seeds, garden supplies, and food preservation. Grow vegetables, fruit, and herbs in a home or community garden.
Gardening is a long-held tradition. It’s a great way to connect with nature and build community by sharing in your harvest.
The program supports over 450 home and community gardens in 18 communities.
Gardening Resources
Seed Starting
In northern Manitoba, start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost. This gives the plants time to grow enough to survive their move to the garden.
- Starting Seeds Indoors: a guide from Province of Manitoba
- Planting dates for spring and fall: adjust for the last frost in your area
- Vegetable Seeds - T&T Seeds: order vegetable seeds online
Fruit Trees and Berries
- Annual price list: Jefferies Nursery, Portage la Prairie, MB
- Make Our Homeland Green Again-Tree Application Form: Manitoba Metis Federation(Shelterbelt, Wildlife Rehabilitation and Edible Forest options)
- Fruit Crops for Northern Manitoba: a guide
- How to Plant Trees in Northern Manitoba: Youtube video
Tower Gardens
Tower Garden resources: assembly guides, growing guides, and tips about planting and maintenance.
Greenhouses
- Equipment for Small Scale Greenhouses in Northern Manitoba: a guide from Province of Manitoba
- Greenhouses for the Northern Climate: a guide from Yukon Government
Poultry Program
Interested in raising backyard chickens? Join others who are reflecting on the past, while living sustainably in the present. Chickens provide healthy, affordable, organic protein sources.
Poultry Resources
- Berg’s Hatchery: poultry, supplies, and equipment.
- Manitoba premises identification application: new poultry handlers must complete
- Premises Identification: learn more from the Government of Manitoba
Beekeeping Program
NHFI offers training, bees, supplies, equipment and mentorship for local beekeeping. Bees are a local source of honey, and pollinate local gardens.
Beekeeping Resources
- Manitoba Agriculture Beekeeper Registration Form : new beekeepers must complete the Manitoba Agriculture form
- MB Bee Act: guidelines about managed bees from Manitoba Agriculture
- Red River Apiarist Association: information and resources
- Beekeeping for the Hobbyist: from University of Manitoba, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences
- Beekeeping in western Canada: textbook
- Bee Maid Bee Store: resources and supplies
- Dancing Bee Equipment: source for local supplies
Food Equipment Program
The equipment program is here to support community food projects. We offer food and garden equipment for community use at:
- homes
- schools
- community food or garden projects
- NHFI workshops
Our list of equipment changes, based on community need. Items include, but are not limited to:
- Dehydrators
- Pressure canners
- Garden tillers
- Compost equipment
- Top soil