Hospital patients and long-term care residents in the Northern Health region will see more B.C.-produced food on their plates, thanks to the Feed BC initiative.
On Monday morning, Northern Health announced it will take part in the provincial initiative, aimed and connecting B.C.-based farmers and food producers with the healthcare food supply chain.
"Northern Health is committed to continuing to work with our food suppliers and food distributors to include even more B.C. foods on our menu," said Michael Hoefer, Northern Health regional director of capital planning and support services. "Supporting B.C. producers while preparing healthy meals with local ingredients for our patients and residents meets the values of our communities in the north."
Some of the B.C.-grown products that will find their way unto Northern Health's menus include chicken, cheese, baked goods, falafels, applesauce and frozen fruit and vegetables.
Non-commercial food service purchases represent a $398 million market in B.C., most of which is used at government-supported facilities.
"We are a family farm based in Terrace and we are proud to produce our products in the north, for the north," Daybreak Farms owner Kieran Christison said is a press release. "The Feed BC program is such a great opportunity for producers in the northern region to showcase their products. Hospital patients and long-term care residents need the best care. They are our family, friends and neighbours, and Feed BC ensures that we are feeding them the best of local and nutritious products."
