About Us

Food is not the solution to food insecurity.

People need support today. Knowing this, we collect and distribute approximately seven million pounds of food annually to over 130 member food banks, meal programs, and shelters across the province. We also support the member agencies as they build capacity to serve their communities. While we help Nova Scotians meet a very basic need, we’re raising awareness of the root causes of food insecurity–things like systemic racism, low wages, inadequate income support, and unaffordable housing. And we’re advocating for sustainable, policy-based solutions that will allow everyone to live a life of dignity and leave no one relying on charitable band-aids to address human rights.

Feed Nova Scotia History

We first opened our doors in 1984 as the Metro Food Bank Society, with the mandate to provide emergency food relief within Metro Halifax. The volunteer staff served 12 member food banks and meal programs. In 2002, at the request of our member agencies, Metro Food Bank Society became the umbrella organization for food banks across the province. In 2005, we rebranded as Feed Nova Scotia.

After over 40 years in operation, and now supporting over 130 member agencies, we recognize the need is growing and we can’t feed our way out of it. While we continue to address food insecurity by supplying emergency food support, we’re also working to find long-term solutions to hunger and poverty in Nova Scotia.

1984

Metro Food Bank Society opened its doors, providing emergency food support for people in Halifax Regional Municipality through 12 member food banks and meal programs.

2000

Metro Food Bank Society expanded its scope to provide support to member food banks, meal programs, and shelters across Nova Scotia.

2003

Recognizing the persistence of hunger and poverty in our communities, we introduced a new, two pronged mission that focused on both immediate food support and advocating for a better tomorrow.

2005

Metro Food Bank Society rebranded and became Feed Nova Scotia, reflecting its provincial mandate.

2014

We began intentionally developing the member network, knowing that one of our greatest strengths lies in the work they do on the front lines.

2019

Our mission was updated to reflect the reality. We were now working to increase food security through food distribution, education, and collaboration.

2024

After 40 years in operation, Feed Nova Scotia expanded its scope of work to explore new ways of addressing the root causes of food insecurity and community-led initiatives.

Today

With more than seven million pounds of food distributed in 2024/25, it’s clear that food insecurity is not going away. We are focused on providing emergency food support through a network of partner agencies, while advocating for sustainable, policy-based solutions to reducing food insecurity in Nova Scotia.

REGISTERED CHARITY

We are a Canadian charity and our registration number is 119039337 RR 0001. Access Feed Nova Scotia's charity listing and T3010 returns on the Canada Revenue Agency website, which includes compensation information.