City of Kingston Food Framework

Vegetables for sale including cucumbers, beans, and peppers. A crate of carrots in a warehouse. A family cooking together.

Fund your project to enhance Kingston’s local food system

As part of the City of Kingston’s Food Framework, three funding streams are available for new and existing initiatives that directly support the local food system. This pilot funding is part of a larger strategy to grow an inclusive and sustainable food system that ensures all residents have equitable access to healthy, affordable and culturally relevant foods.

Eligible projects will align with one of three funding streams:

  1. Food access programs (e.g., direct food services or products to individuals facing food insecurity, collaborations between organizations to efficiently share resources, etc.)

  1. Small capital and infrastructure enhancement (e.g., small-scale building improvements to enhance service delivery)

  1. Innovative projects and pilot initiatives (e.g., new models for food access, food literacy, urban and rural agriculture, technology-driven solutions, etc.)


These guidelines were developed to respond to needs in the community. We welcome all ideas from interested applicants; please reach out to us if you’re unsure how your proposal aligns with one of the above funding streams.

Eligible applicants:

  • Registered non-profits

  • Registered charities

  • Volunteer organizations

  • Social enterprises

  • For-profit organizations (for projects that have a tangible community benefit)

  • Business partnerships

Ineligible organizations and requests include:

  • Charitable contributions
  • Groups or events that are discriminatory, encourage illegal activity, compromise public safety, fundraising, express political views or violate City bylaws, policies or procedures
  • Municipal governments

Learn more and apply

Background information

In May 2025, City Council approved the City’s Food Framework, a guiding document to help strengthen the local food system and align food initiatives in the region. The Framework is built around five interconnected pillars: food production, infrastructure and distribution, food access, education and literacy, and governance. Learn more about how we worked with community partners to develop the Food Framework.

Vegetables for sale including cucumbers, beans, and peppers. A crate of carrots in a warehouse. A family cooking together.

Fund your project to enhance Kingston’s local food system

As part of the City of Kingston’s Food Framework, three funding streams are available for new and existing initiatives that directly support the local food system. This pilot funding is part of a larger strategy to grow an inclusive and sustainable food system that ensures all residents have equitable access to healthy, affordable and culturally relevant foods.

Eligible projects will align with one of three funding streams:

  1. Food access programs (e.g., direct food services or products to individuals facing food insecurity, collaborations between organizations to efficiently share resources, etc.)

  1. Small capital and infrastructure enhancement (e.g., small-scale building improvements to enhance service delivery)

  1. Innovative projects and pilot initiatives (e.g., new models for food access, food literacy, urban and rural agriculture, technology-driven solutions, etc.)


These guidelines were developed to respond to needs in the community. We welcome all ideas from interested applicants; please reach out to us if you’re unsure how your proposal aligns with one of the above funding streams.

Eligible applicants:

  • Registered non-profits

  • Registered charities

  • Volunteer organizations

  • Social enterprises

  • For-profit organizations (for projects that have a tangible community benefit)

  • Business partnerships

Ineligible organizations and requests include:

  • Charitable contributions
  • Groups or events that are discriminatory, encourage illegal activity, compromise public safety, fundraising, express political views or violate City bylaws, policies or procedures
  • Municipal governments

Learn more and apply

Background information

In May 2025, City Council approved the City’s Food Framework, a guiding document to help strengthen the local food system and align food initiatives in the region. The Framework is built around five interconnected pillars: food production, infrastructure and distribution, food access, education and literacy, and governance. Learn more about how we worked with community partners to develop the Food Framework.

  • Food Funding Stream application

    This pilot funding supports local food initiatives that align with the City of Kingston’s Food Framework and its focus on Indigenization, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IIDEA). It’s designed to strengthen the local food system by supporting food access opportunities and programs, capital infrastructure and innovative initiatives that directly benefit the Kingston community.

    As this food funding initiative is an initial pilot, the proposed streams are set up as guidelines. Through the application process, staff are welcoming dialogue with interested groups to discuss and further iterate funding ideas. 

    Application period: Aug. 25 - Sept. 30, 2025
    Successful applicants will be notified: Early December 2025
    Projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2026 

    Applications will be reviewed by a committee comprising City staff, members of the Community Foundation of Kingston & Area and the United Way of KFL&A. The review panel may invite applicants to discuss their project application in more detail. Applications that have not received prior funding will be prioritized.

    If you have questions about this application, email Benjamin Leslie, Community Development Coordinator, at bleslie@cityofkingston.ca.

    Complete Form
Page last updated: 22 Aug 2025, 11:17 AM