$200,000 Grant Boosts Food Security and Community Resilience in Colchester County
The Department of Opportunities and Social Development Invests in the Colchester Food Network (CFN)
Truro, Colchester County, August 8, 2025 – A transformative $200,000 grant from the Department of Opportunities and Social Development is empowering the Colchester Food Network (CFN) to deepen food security efforts, enhance community resilience, and strengthen local food systems across the county.
As the lead agency, CFN will leverage this investment to expand its collaborative initiatives that empower residents—particularly those facing food insecurity—with dignity, choice, and community-led solutions.
“Everyone deserves reliable access to nutritious, affordable food – no matter where they live. This grant is more than funding; it’s a commitment to community-led solutions that reflect local needs. The Colchester Food Network’s collaborative approach shows the power of partnerships in creating healthier, more equitable, and more connected communities.”
— Scott Armstrong, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development
Empowering Communities Through Dignified Choice & Collaboration
CFN offers a welcoming, grocery-style Client Choice Market, where clients select food items based on preferences, dietary needs, and household size. This model enhances dignity, minimizes food waste, and emphasizes respect and autonomy.colchesterfoodnetwork.com+1
Operating Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with low-sensory shopping available by appointment on Wednesday evenings, the Market is accessible and client-friendly—no qualification requirements, just support.colchesterfoodnetwork.com+1
CFN serves a broad spectrum of the community, including families, seniors, working individuals, children, newcomers, single parents, those facing addiction, and houseless or homeless individuals.colchesterfoodnetwork.com
Key Objectives of the Colchester Food Network
- Enhancing Food Security: Providing three to five days’ worth of emergency food for clients through dignified, choice-based access.colchesterfoodnetwork.com
- Supporting Local Producers & Collaboration: Through initiatives like the Community Teaching & Healing Garden, supported by partners such as Dalhousie Agriculture Campus, River Breeze Farms, United Way, and others, CFN promotes community-based food production and education.colchesterfoodnetwork.com
- Education & Programming: CFN offers diverse programming, including:
- Kids Kitchen Adventures—teaching children cooking skills, healthy food habits, and food safety, with ingredients taken home by participants.
- Cooking on a Shoestring Budget—a program focusing on healthy, cost-effective meal planning and food safety.colchesterfoodnetwork.com
- Inclusivity & Values: CFN operates within the foundational values of Dignity, Transparency, Sustainability, Collaboration, Compassion, and Inclusivity.colchesterfoodnetwork.com
Grant Impact & CFN Initiatives
The $200,000 grant will amplify CFN’s ability to:
- Expand the Client Choice Market, ensuring accessible, dignified food distribution and possibly extending low-sensory and evening service hours.
- Scale educational programming, such as meal kits (with recipes and demonstration QR codes), Kids Kitchen Adventures, and Cooking on a Shoestring Budget—reaching new audiences.colchesterfoodnetwork.com+1
- Grow gardening and community food projects, like the Community Teaching & Healing Garden, to support local food production and connection.
- Enhance rural outreach, including programs like West Colchester Neighbours Helping Neighbours, which supports rural clients with gas cards for volunteer food deliveries—ensuring no one is overlooked.Nova Scotia Health
Anticipated Community Outcomes
Over the next year, CFN expects to deliver:
- Greater access to nutritious and affordable food for seniors, low-income families, Indigenous communities, newcomers, and others.
- Enhanced resilience, especially for rural areas, through programs ensuring access even amid socioeconomic or geographic challenges.
- Stronger local partnerships among farmers, nonprofits, schools, and service groups.
- Improved food literacy via hands-on workshops, meal kits, and kitchen programs.
- Expanded volunteer engagement, with opportunities ranging from client services to deliveries, warehousing, and administrative support.colchesterfoodnetwork.com
CFN will monitor progress, publish updates, and remain responsive to community needs with accountability and transparency throughout the project.
A Model of Community Innovation
As one of seven recognized Collaborative Food Networks across Nova Scotia, CFN embodies grassroots leadership in addressing food insecurity. Its expanded role reflects a shift from traditional food banking to a networked, collaborative model that engages the whole community.colchesterfoodnetwork.com
Residents are invited to contribute by volunteering, attending workshops, supporting community gardens, or donating items—especially essential goods like pasta, body wash, diapers, cereal, and cleaning supplies.colchesterfoodnetwork.com
About the Department of Opportunities and Social Development
The Department of Opportunities and Social Development fosters inclusive, healthy, and thriving communities across the province. By investing in strategic, locally driven initiatives, the department empowers organizations and networks to advance social and economic well-being.