FEED NOVA SCOTIA

Our immediate goal is to feed hungry people. Our ultimate goal is to eliminate chronic hunger and alleviate poverty.

FEED NOVA SCOTIA collects and distributes food to approximately 150 Member Agencies across the province including food banks, shelters, soup kitchens, breakfast programs, prepared meal services, and emergency food assistance programs. Help is needed year-round and we provide continuous support to our Member Agencies serving at least 38,000 Nova Scotians each month.

But FEED NOVA SCOTIA is much more than a food collection and distribution centre. We know that food banks play a vital role in the lives of Nova Scotians experiencing food insecurity, but we are also committed to funding long-term solutions to poverty including policy research, public outreach, and client programming.

As part of our efforts to eliminate chronic hunger in Nova Scotia, FEED NOVA SCOTIA works with other community-based organizations to raise awareness of key issues that contribute to hunger in Nova Scotia. We participate in forums and coalitions and speak out on behalf of hungry people. At the request of the Nova Scotia Government, FEED NOVA SCOTIA participated in the Poverty Reduction Working Group (PRWG), and played a key role in drafting the group’s recommendations for strategies and priorities to reduce poverty in Nova Scotia. The recommendations of the Poverty Reduction Working Group were accepted by the Province of Nova Scotia in June and FEED NOVA SCOTIA anxiously awaits an announcement from the provincial government on the next phase of the provincial poverty reduction strategy.

As a member of Food Banks Canada, we play a national role in advocacy and policy development around hunger issues.

Individuals struggling with food needs are often facing other challenges as well. These may include unemployment, family breakup, disability, homelessness, and mental health issues. FEED NOVA SCOTIA’s Help Line provides non-judgmental listening, risk assessment, and referral support for people experiencing distress in their lives. If you're in need of assistance please call our Help Line at (902) 421-1188.

The Learning Kitchen is an innovative solution that directly addresses the root cause of poverty by helping individuals to earn a living wage through culinary training and job placement. Students of the Learning Kitchen learn basic meal preparation, food safety and sanitation, kitchen systems, nutrition, and other skills necessary for entry-level jobs in the food service industry.

Christmas Hampers & Food Support

Gifts of food, grocery store coupons or financial support help FEED NOVA SCOTIA supply fresh produce, chickens, and turkeys for Christmas Hampers as well as ensuring ongoing food support to fill the plates of hungry Nova Scotians throughout the coming months. Christmas hampers – stocked with nutritious and delicious festive foods by FEED NOVA SCOTIA – are distributed to families in need by community agencies. Our hamper program will provide more than 5,000 households with special food for the holidays, brightening the Christmas season for families throughout the province.

Adopt-a-Family

The Adopt-a-Family program matches disadvantaged families with businesses, community groups, families and individuals willing to provide Christmas support. FEED NOVA SCOTIA can match you with a family whose needs match your ability to give. We supply you with the family’s “wish list” so that you are able to select appropriate gifts and food items.