Three new food networks in N.S. fight hunger with dignity

Several food networks in Nova Scotia come together to fight food insecurity in a creative way.

Three new food networks in Nova Scotia are taking a different approach to addressing food insecurity, focusing on dignity and choice rather than simply handing out groceries.

The Musquodoboit, Cobequid and Cape Breton networks are the latest additions to a provincial program that now includes ten collaborative food networks across the province.

Each of them have received $200,000 from the province to support programs aimed at providing alternatives to traditional food banks.

For communities like Musquodoboit, the approach is about more than food distribution.

Shannon Edwards, coordinator of the Musquodoboit Collaborative Food Network, says the network operates a pantry, not a food bank.

“We have tables, chairs, tablecloths, the whole works. People can sit, share a hot meal, then go shopping for what fits their family,” Edwards said. “We never will pick out anything for somebody. They have full choice on what they receive, and if we can’t provide it, we’ll often give out gift cards.”

In Lower Sackville, The Cobequid Food Network is addressing food insecurity with a weekly soup program. Coordinator Amy Patterson said community members are dealing with tough choices.

“We’re seeing so many struggles in the community right now, people having to choose between food and rent, or food and gas. That’s where these programs step in to ease the burden,” Patterson said.

The networks also run educational programs, partner with local schools and work with local growers to reduce food waste and increase access to fresh produce. Organizers say the model focuses on long-term solutions rather than relying solely on the traditional food bank system.

“If the food bank model was going to work, it would have worked by now,” Edwards said. “So we have to accommodate it a different way.”

The goal of the new networks is clear: different approaches, same mission – ending food insecurity while giving people dignity and choice.

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