Staff at Toronto Metropolitan University's Urban Farm tend to their rooftop crops on Aug. 2, 2023. Photo by Arlene Throness.
The Nourish Fund
The Nourish Fund provides tailored financing options for local urban farms and food processing businesses, prioritising Indigenous and racialised farmers and organisations. Capital provided by the Nourish Fund helps to increase production and sales, improve local food accessibility and boost local economic growth.
The Problem
Despite its potential to generate jobs, address food insecurity, and stimulate local economies, community urban farming remains underfunded. Moreover, the current financing options for urban farming infrastructure are constraining the long-term potential of the sector.
Urban farming enterprises struggle with multiple obstacles in trying to access capital, including but not limited to racial biases. Moreover, many farms are ineligible or low-priority for traditional sources of capital because they are located within educational institutions, owned by community organizations, or located on public land.
Our Solution
Beginning with a pilot program in Scarborough, Ontario, the Nourish Fund will provide tailored and accessible financing options for urban farms and agro-food businesses.
growing resilience
We seek to enhance food security, promote social inclusion, foster environmental stewardship, and create a more equitable and sustainable agricultural landscape. Over the next three years, the Fund will work to revitalize Scarborough’s urban food production, increase food accessibility, and drive local economic growth. By providing financial support to those from Indigenous and racialised communities, the impacts of the Nourish Fund go beyond merely driving economic growth.
Mission
To empower equity-deserving communities in the urban farm and food sector with the financial tools needed to thrive and to boost the local food ecosystem, promote social finance, foster environmental stewardship, and cultivate a more equitable urban agricultural sector.
Vision
To increase food security, economic resilience, and food sovereignty for racialized farmers and food processing businesses.
Get in Touch
If you are interested in potential partnerships, investment, or in learning more about the Nourish Fund loan options? You can book a quick 30-minute meeting with Nourish Fund Coordinator, Michelle Chin-Dawe by clicking here or by completing the contact form.
Stay informed on the latest news about the Nourish Fund by signing up for the Fair Finance Fund newsletter.
About The Inclusive Prosperity Project
The Inclusive Prosperity Project is a partnership between the Fair Finance Fund, Social Economy through Social Inclusion (SETSI), and the Learning Enrichment Foundation (LEF). This collaborative project works to overcome barriers for equity-deserving farmers through access to capital for land purchases.
By assessing and redressing biases in governance, operations, and lending practices of conventional institutions, Inclusive Prosperity works towards an equitable and inclusive farming future.
