This province has one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the country. Finding fresh produce in some parts of rural Newfoundland and Labrador can be particularly challenging.

The Northpine Foundation is giving the Saltwater Community Association $400,000 to help address the issue of food insecurity in communities on the Bonavista Peninsula.

Laura Bishop, chairperson of the Saltwater Community Association, says many people, especially some seniors and low-income families, are having trouble affording to eat properly.

The project being implemented, called “Change For Life,” strives to provide fresh produce to vulnerable persons on the peninsula while employing persons with intellectual disabilities.

Bishop says the Canadian Hydroponic Association is going to refurbish a 44 foot container, turn it into a state-of-the-art hydroponic farm, and deliver it to Bonavista.

They will then train people to work the farm, and participants will get free produce such as kale and peppers. The effect of good eating on people’s health will then be tracked.