School Food Sustainability Grant
The Greater Victoria School District is seeking applications for a new School Food Sustainability Grant. Schools are invited to submit applications to 1) support projects that incorporate traditional Indigenous food and medicine plants, connecting students with land-based learning and cultural practices AND/OR 2) help fund initiatives like vegetable gardens, greenhouse expansions, grow towers, canning programs, and other food production projects.
Submission Deadline: Friday, February 20, 2026
Maximum Funding for Your School: $4,000
Application: Click here to view form and see below for details
Submit Application to: Sean Powell via email (spowell@sd61.bc.ca)
Two Funding Streams Available
Stream A: Indigenous Plant Sustainability & Land-Based Practices
Support projects that incorporate traditional Indigenous food and medicine plants, connecting students with land-based learning and cultural practices.
Stream B: School Food Production & Preservation
Fund initiatives like vegetable gardens, greenhouse expansions, grow towers, canning programs, and other food production projects.
What Can You Fund?
Grant funds can be used for:
- Tools, soil, and plants
- Greenhouse materials or expansions
- Grow towers and vertical gardens
- Food preservation equipment and kits
- Garden infrastructure and supplies
Project Requirements
Your application should demonstrate:
- Student Nutrition Impact – How harvested food will support students (snacks, teas, meals, culinary programs)
- Curriculum Integration – How students will engage with the project through learning activities
- Sustainability Plan – Your approach to ongoing maintenance, including water access, staff leads, and summer upkeep
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, your school must:
- Provide food support to all students who require it
- Prioritize student nutrition and food literacy in the project
- (Stream A only) Consult with the Indigenous Education Department (IED) team
How to Apply
Complete the application form and submit it by February 20, 2026 to spowell@sd61.bc.ca. The application requires:
- Project description and scope
- Distribution plan for harvested food
- Educational alignment with curriculum
- Detailed budget breakdown (up to $4,000)
- Maintenance and sustainability plan
- Principal approval signature
Questions?
If you have questions about the grant or would like to discuss potential projects, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Shelly Wilton swilton@sd61.bc.ca, Emmanuelle Henry ehenry@sd61.bc.ca or Sean Powell at spowell@sd61.bc.ca.