Feed Nova Scotia says many individuals and families are facing food insecurity ahead of the Easter holiday, and the festivities could exacerbate that struggle.
“Food plays such an important role in these celebrations that it's very difficult to participate without food,” said Feed Nova Scotia executive director Nick Gennaly. “We understand that people are anxious about the holidays.”
Jenary said the demand for assistance is increasing, with the food bank reaching an average of 6,600 people a week.
Of these, 400 people have never asked for help from a food bank before.
“The increase in new customers is as alarming as the total number of people in need,” Gennaly said.
In response to evolving needs, Feed Nova Scotia is exploring choice models that prioritize the ability of individuals to purchase the food they want while removing financial barriers and increasing accessibility.
Jenery said they are leveraging insights from other local organizations in the Halifax area, such as the Mobile Food Market, as an option to provide fresh produce at affordable prices.
“The market allows people to choose what they want, and the prices are about 30% lower than retail prices. [and] People appreciate being able to buy the foods they want to eat at affordable prices. ”
He said removing financial burdens and increasing access points can put people in a happier place. But he said this needed to be expanded beyond densely populated urban areas, where cheaper options are dwindling.
