The Government of Yukon is increasing its purchases of locally produced food through a three-year pilot project with a local food distributor that will help government institutions connect with local businesses to get healthy and nutritious food grown here in the Yukon.
Takhini River Ranch was awarded the contract and will act as a one-stop-shop to connect government services, such as school programs and long-term care homes, with local businesses to purchase food grown here in the Yukon through an online shop.
Using the Standing Offer Agreement, government departments can now more easily source and purchase locally grown food including groceries, meats and fresh produce. This initiative is one of the Government of Yukon’s commitments under Our Clean Future to support local food producers through the procurement process.
Supporting local food is win-win for our health, our environment and our economy. By encouraging government services to source more of their food from local farms, producers and businesses, we are increasing market opportunities for local producers, improving our food security, contributing to our local economy and reducing our reliance on food shipped into the territory.
Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker
The Government of Yukon awarded the contract to the Takhini River Ranch to be the local distributor.
Some of the Government of Yukon’s continuing care homes and the Whitehorse General Hospital are using the procurement tool to purchase local food products for their in-house food services. The continuing care facilities are Copper Ridge Place and Whistle Bend Place in Whitehorse and McDonald Lodge in Dawson City.
The Government of Yukon spends approximately $3 million annually on groceries, food and associated food preparation and serving supplies through various services such as continuing care facilities, correctional facilities, education and school programs, wildfire camps and more.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Brigitte Parker
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-667-3183
brigitte.parker@yukon.ca