Next Monday, the federal agriculture department will start accepting applications for grants aimed at supporting various agricultural projects. These projects can include garden boxes, refrigeration units, greenhouses, ATVs, snowmobiles, tractors, and hydroponic systems. However, there is a stipulation: recipients must use the funds to support food production specifically for "equity-deserving groups."

The program, known as the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, will not fund projects that do not address food security for these groups. Priority will be given to initiatives that primarily serve equity-deserving groups, especially those led by or focused on Indigenous and Black communities.

This shift in focus has raised concerns about discrimination. When the Local Food Infrastructure Fund was established in 2019, it had a budget of $50 million intended to support the food security of at-risk populations without identity-based discrimination. Applicants were previously required to provide data on food insecurity in their communities.

The fund has since been extended for another three years, with an additional $63 million available from 2025 to 2027. However, the criteria for funding have changed. Now, applicants must demonstrate their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). They are asked whether their projects are Black-led or Black-focused, if they have a DEI staffing plan, and which equity-deserving groups they serve.

A spokesperson for Agriculture Canada downplayed the changes, stating that the new focus on equity-deserving groups aligns with a federal language guide. The spokesperson claimed that the target populations have always included similar groups, such as non-white individuals, Indigenous peoples, women, and those facing social or employment barriers.

However, critics argue that the definition of at-risk populations has become narrower. The applicant guide now lists specific equity-seeking groups, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women, youth, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. This limited scope raises questions about the inclusivity of the program.

Concerns have been voiced that the program may overlook food programs serving low-income individuals regardless of race or location. For instance, a food bank in a small town may not qualify for support if it does not meet the new identity-based criteria, while a community garden in a more affluent area might receive funding despite its limited impact on food security.

The changes reflect a broader trend in federal policy, where identity-based criteria are increasingly prioritized in various programs. Critics argue that this approach may not effectively address the root causes of food insecurity and could lead to inequities in support for those in need.