Town Receives $10,000+ for Labeller at Veterans Hall

2018/02/26Local Interest

Province of Manitoba Media Release |

Eight community centres across the province will receive more than $84,000 to purchase and install commercial-grade kitchen equipment to support local food entrepreneurs, announced Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler.


“With this funding, our government is investing in the future of food innovation, product development and Manitoba’s entrepreneurial spirit,” said Eichler. “Community centres are often the launching pad for new food products, giving Manitobans access to the space and equipment needed to grow from a home-based business into something more. This is an important investment in community-led economic development and local value-added processing.”

These commercial community kitchens have received funding for new equipment:
• Holland Community Hall Inc. – more than $8,200 for two double convection ovens and a commercial-sized cooler;
• Steinbach Legion, Branch 190 – more than $14,300 for three commercial-grade convection ovens for its legion hall;
• Austin and District Community Club Inc. – more than $10,400 for a double convection range for its community hall;
• Cooks Creek Community Centre Inc. – nearly $6,800 for a 30-quart mixer and commercial food processor;
• Rural Municipality of Roblin – nearly $12,500 for a convection oven, 30-quart mixer and commercial food processor for its community centre;
• Town of Swan River – more than $10,000 for a semi-automatic labeller and date coder for the Veteran’s Community Hall;
• Riverview Community Centre (Winnipeg) – more than $8,600 to purchase a commercial dehydrator and freezer; and
• FortWhyte Alive (Winnipeg) – nearly $13,200 for a 20-quart mixer, tilting kettle, commercial freezer and food processor for FortWhyte Farms teaching kitchen.

“As a teaching facility with a focus on youth and agriculture, FortWhyte Farms is excited to be part of the growing trend of social innovation here in Manitoba,” said Danielle Mondor, manager, FortWhyte Farms. “This shift is ultimately increasing local products, young entrepreneurs and food diversity, and we think that’s a great thing.”

Commercial community kitchens can be rented by startup food entrepreneurs who may not have the resources to invest in their own production facilities. All commercial community kitchens are inspected and have a valid food-service establishment permit.

The minister noted the equipment at community centres can also be used to cater dinners, social events and other celebrations, enriching Manitoba’s social and cultural fabric.