VANCOUVER– BC New Democrat MLAs Amshen (Joan Phillip) and Niki Sharma say applications are now open for funding that will support Indigenous communities’ work towards greater food security and food sovereignty.

A project that received this funding last year is currently underway in Vancouver.

“I am very happy to see funding coming in for Indigenous food security in the Downtown Eastside, where many people access services like this food pantry,” says Amshen (Joan Phillip), MLA for Vancouver-Strathcona. “The Urban Native Youth Association does such important work in my community, and I am so grateful for their services that help Indigenous youth and families.”

Indigenous organizations and communities can apply for funding from now until May 20, 2025, by visiting: https://newrelationshiptrust.ca/indigenous-food-security-and-sovereignty.

The Urban Native Youth Association received $107,500 in funding for a food pantry.

The Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Program, launched in 2023, is supporting on- and off-reserve Indigenous-led projects. These projects are doing work to revitalize Indigenous food harvesting, agro-ecosystems, expand capacity, boost local processing and distribution, and increase food supply and security. This work is being done across B.C., with a focus on rural and remote communities.”UNYA does incredible work to provide healthy, nutritious groceries for the community with their innovative food pantry,” says Niki Sharma, MLA for Vancouver-Hastings. “Supporting Indigenous-led food sovereignty programs advances reconciliation and builds stronger, more resilient communities.”

Since 2023, over 100 projects have been given funding and are underway. This is part of the BC NDP government’s commitments to reconciliation, increased Indigenous participation in agriculture and food systems, and supporting Indigenous-led food sovereignty.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025AF0010-000444