Government of Ontario Launches Tax Credit for Farmers and Food Banks

Ontario makes history as the first province in Canada to provide farmers with a tax credit for donating to local food banks

TORONTO, Sept. 30, 2014 /CNW/ - On Monday September 29^th 2014, the Honorable Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, alongside the Honorable Ted McMeekin and MPP Bob Bailey announced the launch of the new Food Donation Tax Credit for Farmers.

This tax credit is the first and only one of its kind in Canada, making this a historic week for farmers, food banks, and the provincial government. Farmers in Ontario are now eligible to claim a 25% tax credit for all agricultural product that they donate to the province's community food banks.

"Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy local food, and we applaud the Ontario government for introducing this tax credit," says Bill Laidlaw, Executive Director at the Ontario Association of Food Banks. 

"Many food bank clients do not receive the recommended daily servings of fruits, vegetables, and protein, which cause additional strains on one's health and well-being," says Laidlaw. "A balanced diet with local, fresh, and nutritious foods will help improve the health of food bank clients as well as the health of communities across Ontario."

There are over 375,000 Ontarians, one third of which are children, relying on food banks each and every month in this province. It is only with the generous support of farmers and local community members that food banks are able to provide meals and provisions for those in need. It is without a doubt that the Food Donation Tax Credit for Farmers will help stock food bank fridges and freezers, and provide thousands of Ontarians with fresh, healthy, and local foods.

ABOUT THE ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF FOOD BANKS
The Ontario Association of Food Banks is a network of 125 food banks and over 1,100 hunger-relief agencies. Together, we serve 375,789 individuals, including 131,734 children every month, through a number of food programs and services. This includes: breakfast clubs, school meal programs, community kitchens, emergency shelters, community food centres, seniors' centres, and small neighbourhood food banks. For more information please visit www.oafb.ca

SOURCE: Ontario Association of Food Banks

Or to request an interview with Bill Laidlaw, please contact: Amanda King, Manager of Communications, Ontario Association of Food Banks, [email protected], 416-656-4100 x2932