One in six Nova Scotians lives in a food insecure household. Household food insecurity refers to when a household has inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints.
In March 2022 alone, there were almost 1.5 million visits to food banks across Canada – up 35% compared to pre-pandemic visits. While this is a Canada-wide problem, our community is not an exception. In 2021, over 13,600 individuals accessed support from one of Feed Nova Scotia’s member food banks in the Halifax region.
The holidays are a time of joyful giving; however, some families are more concerned with having enough money for weekly groceries, let alone the gift their child has asked for. It is important that we come together as a community to support local food programs so that food insecurity is not something local families are worried about this holiday season.
To help alleviate the strain, Atlantic Superstore locations throughout the Halifax area are supporting Feed Nova Scotia to help with the increased demand at food banks during the holiday season. From December 1-24, you can donate to Feed Nova Scotia while you shop at your local Superstore.
There are two ways to help: you can donate funds or food. While food donations are always welcome, food bank organizations such as Feed Nova Scotia also need cash donations to keep things running with critical infrastructure and to fill in the gaps when supply is low.
Some donations Feed Nova Scotia is always looking for include:
• Grains: cereal, rice, pasta, oats, granola bars, flour
• Proteins: canned fish, fresh meat, eggs, beans, peanut butter • Fruit and vegetables: fresh and canned fruits and vegetables, children’s snacks
• Special diet foods: low sugar, gluten free, dairy free, halal, kosher, vegan, vegetarian
• Pantry staples: soup, pasta, chili, stew
• Household and hygiene: toilet paper, cleaning products, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products
Next time you visit your local Atlantic Superstore, think about giving the gift of food this holiday season. If you are able, pick up some extra items to drop off in the in-store collection bin. Or, even simpler, make a cash donation at the checkout.
Photo credits to: https://www.facebook.com/feednovascotia/
