Our hope for every Nova Scotian

A chance to share in the joys of the season. That’s our hope for every Nova Scotian.

It sounds simple, but as many of us fill our extra hours with festive traditions, those living with hunger will be trying desperately to make something from nothing. Packing lunch for your children is difficult when you're living with food insecurity. Providing a turkey dinner on December 25 is next to impossible. Hunger is always a struggle, but it hurts even more during the holidays.

Imagine spending all day trying to provide a basic necessity for yourself or your family. Imagine spending every night having hushed, tearful conversations about how you'll pay the bills. Someone once said, “The trouble with being poor is that it takes up all your time.” When you lack the resources to put food on the table and are always trying to remedy that, not only does it chip away at your time, it also chips away at your dignity and hope. All of these things are compounded by the expectations that come with Christmas. For many parents, their biggest fear is shattering their children’s belief in the magic of the season. It’s not easy to explain poverty to a child. And it's not just families with kids that feel the sting of the holiday season. For many Nova Scotians living alone, it increases the feelings of isolation and loneliness. 

Right now we’re working hard to make sure no one—young or old—is faced with empty cupboards during the holidays. Through our Christmas Registry, we match Nova Scotians seeking a little bit of extra help with the organizations that can provide it, whether it’s a hamper with a turkey and vegetables, a hot dinner, or gift support. This is in addition to our regular distribution of donated food to our member agencies across the province. We've received applications for Christmas support from over 6,500 households and they're continuing to come in. Meeting the need is a significant undertaking, and we rely on the generosity of the community to make it possible.

As you prepare for the holiday season, please don’t forget about those in your community who are struggling with food insecurity. Consider making a donation so every Nova Scotian can meet their most basic need, and feel comfort this Christmas