Program Delivery Update
We have also been updating our website to better reflect the direction we are moving in. Our Programs page now outlines several areas of work that Food Matters Manitoba is developing and strengthening through our Northern Partnerships.
The current program areas include:
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Harvester Program: Supporting harvesters and local teams with harvesting, processing, storing, and sharing traditional foods.
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Youth Harvester Program: Supporting youth to learn from harvesters, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, families, and community mentors through land-based learning and hands-on experience.
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Agriculture & Growth Support Program: Supporting gardens, growing projects, school food initiatives, greenhouse development, supplies, training, and local food production.
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Workshops and Training: Developing learning opportunities connected to food, land, culture, harvesting, growing, and local food systems.
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Culture, Medicine and Ceremony Support: Supporting community-led cultural and land-based food work, including gatherings, feasts, medicines, ceremonies, Knowledge Keeper involvement, youth learning, and intergenerational connection.
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Emergency Wildfire Support: Supporting food access planning and coordination during wildfires, evacuations, freight disruptions, road changes, and other emergencies.
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Research, Evaluation and Policy: Supporting learning, documentation, and systems change connected to food security, Indigenous food sovereignty, health and wellness, and community economic development.
By having clearer timelines and request windows, we can better plan purchases, shipping, travel, staff time, budgets, and reporting requirements.
Some of the upcoming changes will include a more structured process for Harvester Program requests, a quarterly process for seed orders and supply requests, and clearer steps for general program support requests.
Quarterly Request Windows
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Submission Window
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Deadline
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Planned Delivery/Support Period
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July 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026
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September 30, 2026
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December 2026, January 2027, February 2027
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October 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026
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December 31, 2026
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March 2027, April 2027, May 2027
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January 1, 2027 to March 31, 2027
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March 31, 2027
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June 2027, July 2027, August 2027
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April 1, 2027 to June 30, 2027
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June 30, 2027
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September 2027, October 2027, November 2027
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Requests submitted during each window will be reviewed for the next planned delivery or support period. This gives Food Matters Manitoba time to review requests, confirm available funding, coordinate purchasing, arrange shipping, plan staff time, and follow up with communities in a more organized and transparent way.
Seed orders and supply requests will be collected through an order sheet with a set list of available items. This will help us better manage purchasing, tracking, shipping, budgets, and follow-up.
Transition Period: Current and Upcoming Requests
During this transition period, these requests can still be submitted and will be reviewed individually. Approval will depend on available funding, staff capacity, shipping timelines, program fit, etc.
To help us respond as effectively as possible, please submit any current or upcoming needs as soon as possible. This includes requests for supplies, harvesting support, agriculture needs, workshops, cultural or ceremonial support, and other planned community activities.
The first full quarterly deadline will be September 30, 2026, for supports planned for December 2026, January 2027, and February 2027. After the transition period, planned requests should follow the quarterly submission windows listed above.
We understand that urgent needs may still come up from time to time. These requests can still be brought forward, but approval will depend on available funding, staff capacity, timing, and whether the request fits within current program guidelines.
Questions and Support
We would really value hearing what supports you feel are needed in your community and how Food Matters Manitoba can continue building this work in a way that is practical, respectful, and community-informed.
We know this transition may take some time, and we appreciate your patience during this time. We are committed to moving through this process with care, respect, and open communication.
If you have questions or need support with this new process, please connect with Michael B. Monias, Northern Programs Manager (Contact below). Michael can support with planning, request details, upcoming needs, and identifying the right submission window for your community.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for the important work you are doing in your communities. We look forward to continuing this work together.
From all of us at Food Matters Manitoba
Northern Programs Manager
Food Matters Manitoba
Email: michael@foodmattersmanitoba.ca
Cell: 431-877-3562