Our Response to COVID-19
We’re here and committed to our mission
Since day one of the pandemic, we've not only remained fully operational, we've been distributing more food than ever. In the 12 months between April 2020 and March 2021, we distributed more than 2.4 million kilograms of food to our 140 member food banks and meal programs from one end of the province to the other—up 16% from the previous year. On top of this, we introduced a home delivery service to provide non-perishable food for people who can’t get to a food bank, and we provided direct financial support and gift cards to our member agencies, giving them flexibility to purchase priority items to meet local needs. Support from our donors, the provincial and federal governments, and Food Banks Canada makes all of this possible.
Food banks and meal programs
With only a few exceptions, food banks and meal programs across the province are open and safely supporting their communities. To ensure compliance with social distancing and other public health guidelines, new processes have been introduced where required. If you or someone you know needs food support, visit ns.211.ca, call 211, or use our Find Food tool to find a food bank or meal program nearby.
Feed Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 Food Box program
In May 2020, we launched a new, short-term initiative that provides home delivery of food to Nova Scotians who need food support and can't get to a food bank or other food support program. Anyone facing this situation can call 211 on weekdays between 8am and 8pm and they’ll help determine if this program is a good fit.
The need for support
As a whole, the number of people accessing food banks across the province during the pandemic is lower than the previous year, although some food banks have seen steep increases. As a precarious economic recovery continues, we’re mindful that the worst might be yet to come. Our focus is to make sure food support is there to fill the gap today, while also pushing for effective social policy to ensure equitable economic and physical access to food for the long-term.
How you can help
Right now, online donations are the best way to help meet the immediate need for food support. If you're planning a food drive or fundraiser, let us know by filling out our event registration form. A huge thanks to everyone who has already extended support. It’s no surprise that in a province as special as ours people are thinking of their vulnerable neighbours, and we hope that continues.