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Food Security

This is what dignity looks like. No one should have to choose between paying rent and buying groceries. But across the Maritimes, food insecurity is rising, and more people and families are struggling to put food on the table.

The Reality In The Maritimes

Over 25% of Canadians experience food insecurity.
It disproportionately impacts children, low-income households, and Indigenous communities.

Food insecurity is about more than food; it’s about income, access, and dignity. 

New Brunswick

46%

of households are food insecure.

8.2%

of households were severely food insecure.

39.9%

of children lived in food insecure households in 2023.

Nova Scotia

37%

of households are food insecure.

8.4%

of households were severely food insecure.

38%

of children lived in food insecure households in 2023.

Prince Edward Island

43%

of households are food insecure.

8%

of households were severely food insecure.

31.2%

of children lived in food insecure households in 2023.

What We're Doing

United Way supports initiatives that ensure people have access to food in ways that are dignified, local, and community-driven. That looks like: 

Supporting

food banks, meal programs, and emergency access.

Expanding

community gardens and food literacy programs.

Increasing

access to culturally appropriate food.

Addressing

the root causes of food insecurity through advocacy and collaboration.

Funded Agencies

Name Location Impact Area 2-Year Funding Amount
Canadian Mental Health Association – Colchester East Hants Colchester & Cumberland Counties Food Security $32,000.00
Colchester Food Network Colchester & Cumberland Counties Food Security $32,000.00
Fredericton Community Kitchens Inc. Central N.B. Food Security $50,000.00
Just Friends Food Bank Central N.B. Food Security $20,000.00
Kidney Foundation of Canada - Atlantic Branch Lunenburg County Food Security $10,000.00
Meals on Wheels of Fredericton Inc. Central N.B. Food Security $45,000.00
Nackawic Middle School Central N.B. Food Security $20,000.00
Neighbourhood Works Inc. Saint John, Kings & Charlotte Food Security $80,000.00
New Ross family Resource Centre Lunenburg County Food Security $30,000.00
Oromocto and Area Food Bank (Helpline Inc.) Central N.B. Food Security $36,000.00
Pictou County Women's Resource and Sexual Assault Centre Pictou County Food Security $20,000.00
River Hebert Joggins and Area Development Association Colchester & Cumberland Counties Food Security $20,000.00
Spencer House Seniors Centre Halifax Food Security $70,000.00
St Stephens Parish (Musical Friends) Lunenburg County Food Security $30,000.00
St. Paul's Family Resource Institute Halifax Food Security $50,000.00
The Shoppe (Lennox Island First Nation) Prince Edward Island Food Security $70,000.00
We Feed Lunenburg Association Lunenburg County Food Security $44,000.00
YMCA Association of Cumberland Colchester & Cumberland Counties Food Security $40,000.00

Food is a basic human right. 

You’re support helps us ensure no one in our community goes hungry. 

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