Eight local organizations will receive funding to improve food security

ELMSDALE/MUSQ. CANYON: Eight local organizations are among 122 across NS that will receive one-time funding to improve food security for those who request their services.

Across the province, organizations provide a range of support services, from providing locally produced food to those in need to running basket and feeding programs.

“These organizations at the heart of communities ensure people have better access to healthy food and information about food preparation,” said Community Services Minister Brendan Maguire.

“We recognize that the way people access support is also evolving. A key focus of my department is ensuring community organizations have the resources they need to help people at the local level.”

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In total, 122 organizations across the province will receive one-time grants totaling $10 million.

Locally, the following organizations were on the list that we saw. They range from Colchester County through Noel and Sackville to Middle Musquodoboit and East Hants:

Big Brothers Big Sisters, Colchester $10,000.00

East Hants Community Learning Association $29,000.00

Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Society $100,000.00

Musquodoboit Valley Food Bank Association $20,000.00

Noel New Horizons Rising Tides Group $10,000.00

Sackville Heights Junior High School $10,000.00

Sipekne'katik First Nation $99,500.00

St. John's United Church $5,000.00

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Some examples of programs that will be funded include: Provincial library programs, which support initiatives such as food literacy and community spaces to facilitate food-related activities; collaborative food networks for food-focused programs that meet the unique needs of their communities; and Mi'kmaw communities and organizations for culturally relevant food baskets, pantries, emergency food and school food.

Funding support was based on applications for programs supported by the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.

Quotes:
“We know times are challenging and it is important that Nova Scotians have access to good nutrition and healthy eating habits.

“By supporting local community initiatives, we are helping meet the immediate needs of Nova Scotians and making a difference for the future.”
— Allan MacMaster, Minister for Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage

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“This funding represents an incredible opportunity to provide accessible, innovative solutions to those experiencing food insecurity in Glace Bay.

“By building on existing community partnerships and creating new ones, the Glace Bay Collaborative Food Network will provide people experiencing food insecurity access to support in a way that is dignified, adaptive and inclusive.

“Town House is proud to be part of this great initiative; We envision this collaborative network having a long-term positive impact on our community.”
— Patti McDonald, Executive Director, Glace Bay Citizens Service League Townhouse

“As a new charity, Acts of Kindness Society has been able to make a difference in the Yarmouth region thanks to the incredibly generous support of the Department for Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.

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“Since the end of 2022, we have cooked and distributed nearly 30,000 meals through the efforts of dozens of volunteers.

“This funding means we can reach many more people, not just with meals, but also with food baskets and a pantry, and we can support other community organizations to set up pantries.” Most importantly, people know that their Community cares about them.”
— Ken Cleveland, Acts of Kindness Society

Fast Facts:
– Investments in food security initiatives over the past two years include:
– An additional $5 million in funding for food banks and food security organizations across Nova Scotia
– $1.7 million for the school lunch program
– $1 million will be invested in 27 family resource centers to address food needs – $1 million for Community Food Security Initiatives Program initiatives – $200,000 for community food center pilot projects in Eskasoni, Amherst and East Preston
– $200,000 for Community Food Access and Literacy Program initiatives
– $200,000 for the Healthy Lunch Program in Strait Regional Center for Education schools
– $100,000 for the Healthy Lunch Truck program at Chignecto Central Regional Center for Education schools