Video – Photo Gallery – Ontario Supporting Expanded Access to Community Food Market Through Mobile Market Initiative

$123,700 Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will reduce barriers to accessing community market and support local food producers.

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Ontario is continuing to support community organizations that strengthen local food access and connect residents with affordable options close to home. On Thursday, MPP David Piccini announced $123,700 in funding for the Community Health Centres of Northumberland (CHCN) through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Grow Grant stream. The two-year grant will support the expansion of the Community Food Market through additional mobile market locations and increased program capacity across Northumberland County.

“Our government is proud to support organizations that are making a real difference for families across Northumberland County,” said David Piccini, MPP, Northumberland Peterborough South. “This investment will help expand access to affordable, locally sourced food while supporting rural communities, local farmers, and volunteers who are working together to meet growing needs across our region.”

Since 2023, the Community Food Market has operated a weekly low-barrier, farmers’ style market within the CHCN, offering fresh produce, local meats, prepared meals, and other locally sourced foods at reduced prices. The program currently partners with nine local farmers and food vendors and has become an important community resource for individuals and families facing rising food costs.

The Grow grant will allow CHCN to expand the program into additional communities, including Colborne and Grafton, through a new Mobile Market initiative. Funding will also support additional staffing, expanded volunteer capacity, and enhanced food storage and transportation resources.

“This funding will allow us to bring affordable, nutritious food directly into more communities across Northumberland while continuing to create a welcoming and dignified experience for everyone who visits the market,” said Marley Budreau, Clinical Director at the CHCN. “The Community Food Market not only improves access to healthy food but also strengthens community connections and supports local farmers and food producers. We are incredibly grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for helping us expand this important work.”

The CHCN provides comprehensive primary care, health promotion, and community development services to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities across Northumberland County. Guided by principles of equity, accessibility, and inclusion, CHCN works collaboratively with community partners to address barriers to health and support vulnerable populations.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

“On behalf of our municipality, we extend our sincere thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for supporting Community Health Centres of Northumberland and helping expand the Mobile Food Market into Grafton and Colborne. This investment will improve access to healthy, affordable food for residents and strengthen the wellbeing of communities across Northumberland County.”

John Logel, Mayor, Township of Alnwick/Haldimand

“The expansion of the Mobile Food Market into Colborne and Castleton is an exciting step forward for local food accessibility and community wellbeing in Northumberland, made possible through the funding support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. In Cramahe, we know that strong local partnerships and community ingenuity can create meaningful and lasting change. We are a small but mighty community that continues moving onward through collaboration, innovation, and the dedication of capable organizations like the Community Health Centres of Northumberland, who work every day to support residents. This initiative will help strengthen connections, improve access to healthy food, and make a positive difference for individuals and families across our community.”

Mandy Martin, Mayor, Township of Cramahe