Role of Nourish Nova Scotia in the funding ecosystem
Nourish Nova Scotia is a registered charity established in 2013 to support school breakfast programs and, more broadly, to help children and youth across Nova Scotia access nourishing food and learn key food skills. Working in school and community settings, the organization combines food literacy programming, capacity building and advocacy to create healthier food environments for young people.
Alongside its own programs, Nourish Nova Scotia acts as a grant provider for youth-led and youth-focused food initiatives. Through its Funding Opportunities portfolio, it offers time-limited grant streams such as the Grow Eat Learn School Garden Infrastructure Grants, which help schools start or expand gardens and growing spaces, and the Youth Food Fund, which in 2024 distributed over $206,000 to 52 projects across all regions of the province, including school groups, community organizations and Mi’kmaw communities.
Supported audiences and sectors
The organization targets children and youth as the primary beneficiaries, while working closely with schools, community groups, Indigenous communities and provincial and national partners. Supported projects often focus on school gardens, food forests, hydroponic systems, food skills workshops, and other initiatives that increase access to nutritious food and build leadership among youth.
General approach to funding and partnerships
Nourish Nova Scotia frames its funding as part of a broader strategy to strengthen youth leadership, meaningfully engage youth and partners across all regions of Nova Scotia, and weave justice and equity throughout its work. Funding calls are posted on its website when available, with links to detailed guidelines and application forms. The organization also amplifies external opportunities, such as Indigenous Foodways in Schools Grants administered by other partners, and provides local contact support for Nova Scotia applicants.
History and evolution
Originating from collaboration among dietitians, nutritionists, community members and the provincial government, Nourish Nova Scotia has evolved from a focus on breakfast programs to a wider mandate that includes food literacy education, development of tools and resources, and youth-driven advocacy for just and sustainable food systems. Annual reports and impact summaries document its programming, grant streams and outcomes year over year.