By Sumayya
It is just a few more days until election day, and candidates running for mayor are still sharing what they would put into action if they are elected mayor.
Don Woodstock wants to fight the problem of people not having enough food in the city. He plans to do this by building a network of indoor vertical farms and by giving help to food banks and other charity groups.
“Food is not a luxury, nor is it something our citizens should only have reliable access to during the warm summer months. In a city as resilient as Winnipeg, no family, senior, or child should ever go to bed hungry simply because the thermometer drops below freezing,” Woodstock said in a news announcement.
Woodstock’s plan would cost a total of $5 million every year. It would begin with $1 million used to build four indoor vertical farming centers—one for each of the four main areas of the city.
These centers would allow fresh food to be grown all year long. Woodstock would set them up inside empty warehouses, spaces that are not being used enough, or through special business property leases.
He also plans to give cash grants to organizations for things like community gardens and cold storage rooms. At the same time, he wants to give larger amounts of funding to food security groups so they do not have to worry about running out of money.
Woodstock would also look into using charity tax credits and city business rewards to make it easier for companies to help fight the lack of food.
“This policy is about restoring dignity, community, and basic human decency to every neighbourhood in our city. By taking control of our own food supply 365 days a year, we are choosing humanity over bureaucracy and ensuring that we take care of one another, no matter how cold the winter gets.”
The people of Winnipeg go to vote on Wednesday. The voting places will stay open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
