Farm Credit Canada is pumping half a million dollars into Harvest Manitoba’s warehouse operations, a move the food bank expects to help tens of thousands of families access fresh food faster while cutting waste across the province’s agricultural supply chain.
WHY IT MATTERS: Harvest Manitoba has reported more Manitobans relying on its food bank services in recent years as affordability challenges continue.
The funding will pay for warehouse redesigns, technology upgrades, and expanded cold storage and infrastructure the food bank says is essential for handling perishable products that would otherwise be lost between farm gate and retail shelf, according to an Oct. 1 press release from Harvest Manitoba.
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“Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) support is helping us reach farther and respond faster,” said Vince Barletta, Harvest Manitoba president and chief executive officer.
“With this investment, more people will have local fresh food. They’ll also have a safety net they can count on. Partnerships like this are how we build a food system that truly serves our communities. The more food people have, the less is wasted and the better for the environment. With this project, everybody wins.”
Laying foundations
The investment builds on an existing relationship between FCC and Harvest Manitoba. The federal loan agency has been backing a pilot project which takes surplus or cosmetically imperfect food on a large scale and processes it for distribution rather than disposal. Last year, Harvest Manitoba rescued 8.7 million pounds of surplus food worth more than $31 million, redirecting it to food banks and meal programs across Manitoba, the non-profit says.
Expanding rural reach
The upgraded facility is designed to handle larger volumes of things like fresh produce or dairy. Better inventory tracking and equipment will also allow the organization to move products more quickly to communities outside Winnipeg, where access to fresh food is often limited.
“Harvest Manitoba’s dedication to rescuing surplus food and distributing it to those in need is truly inspiring,” said Justine Hendricks, FCC’s president and CEO. “This new facility will enable staff and volunteers to move more nutritious food efficiently, ensuring that no family is left behind, and FCC is proud to be a part of this effort.”
Strengthening supply chain connections
The expansion comes as grocery costs continue squeezing household budgets. Harvest Manitoba says the improved infrastructure will let it forge stronger ties with producers, processors and retailers, capturing food before it leaves the supply chain entirely.
“This partnership with FCC is just the beginning. With this first critical investment, we’re not only expanding our reach — we’re also investing in research, innovation and careful planning to ensure every dollar delivers maximum impact,” Barletta said. “As we lay the groundwork for a provincewide transformation in food rescue and security, we invite others to join us. With the right support and a shared commitment, we can build a stronger, more resilient Manitoba — one where no family is left behind.”
