Food Insecurity Is A Political Choice
Why do we say this?
Because food insecurity in Canada is not a food issue – it’s an income and affordability issue.
People become food insecure when they do not have enough money to access the food they may want and need.
When people don’t have enough money to access essentials such as food, it’s because of government policies that shape how much income they have. Because of this, we know that changing government policy is the ultimate solution to ending food insecurity.
What We’re Working On
The Government of Nova Scotia has multiple policy levers it can choose to pull to improve household income and reduce food insecurity.
It has control over Nova Scotia’s minimum wage and how much provincial tax workers have to pay each year, as well as income assistance and income support programs to assist households who may not be able to afford the basics.
The choices our provincial government make about its income-based policies and programs have a significant impact on food insecurity across Nova Scotia.
At Feed Nova Scotia, we are advocating to our provincial government to take accountability for food insecurity across this province, and to build a strong income floor for all Nova Scotians.
But We Can’t Do It Alone
In order to build a truly food-secure Nova Scotia, we need your help. As we continue to advocate for a better tomorrow, we ask that you join us. You can find more information about how to start advocating in your own community HERE. To learn more about Feed Nova Scotia’s policy positions, keep reading.
A Strong Income Floor for All Nova Scotians
As the gap between income and cost of living across Nova Scotia continues to grow each year, Feed Nova Scotia is focused on advocating for stronger income supports to ensure no one is left behind. Our three income-based policy positions are focused on improving incomes to make life more affordable.
A Clear Target to Reduce Food Insecurity in Nova Scotia
While multiple teams and departments within the Government of Nova Scotia are working to respond to food insecurity, they have no shared target for impact or change. Feed Nova Scotia is focused on advocating for a clear, time-bound target focused on reducing food insecurity so that policy makers are held accountable for change.
FURTHER ACTION
Community Mobilization
In addition to our own advocacy work, Feed Nova Scotia is committed to supporting communities to mobilize and advocate for issues that cause food insecurity in their own communities. We have an annual advocacy-microgrant that community groups can apply for, with more information coming soon.
We are also building a new volunteer program at Feed Nova Scotia, where interested people can volunteer with us and contribute hours to our cause by taking advocacy action in their own communities. We will be launching this program in 2027.
Amplifying National Calls for Federal Policy Change
Feed Nova Scotia is a member of Food Banks Canada and Right to Food, who advocate to the federal government for national policies that can build a food secure future for Canada. We amplify their advocacy calls through our federal budget submissions and engagement with Members of Parliament.
Advocacy Networks and Coalitions
As an organization, we take part in different networks and movements to advocate for the root causes of food insecurity and for a stronger food system.
We are currently working with partners across the province to build a roundtable for a stronger food system in Nova Scotia. More information about this work will be coming soon.
You can check out some of the great work by groups we are connected to below:
Contact
If you have any questions about advocacy at Feed Nova Scotia or are looking for more information, please contact advocacy@feednovascotia.ca.
