Open
Local Food Security Initiatives
Supports local food access and collaboration
Last Update: June 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 100,000
Timeline
- Closing date : August 31, 2026
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
This program supports projects that help vulnerable Nova Scotians access healthy, culturally appropriate, locally produced or prepared food. Funding is available for collaborative initiatives that strengthen local food security and food systems.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : August 31, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Social Services
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Children and Youth Organizations
Target groups
- General public
- Seniors
- Indigenous peoples
- Low-income individuals / families
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
- Regional
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Procuring healthy, culturally appropriate, locally produced or prepared food for vulnerable communities
- Building organizational capacity for collaborative food security programming
- Creating partnerships and local food systems to reduce barriers to sourcing local food
- Convening and coordinating collaborations to address food access challenges
Documents Needed
- Completed PDF application form
- Project overview document
- Project budget
- Supporting documents, such as letters of support or photos
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Joint Stocks-registered not-for-profit societies in good standing
- Federally registered charities in good standing
- Federally registered not-for-profit corporations in good standing
- Nova Scotian Mi’kmaw bands
Who is not eligible
- Individuals
- Projects where research is the only activity
- Projects where employment is the only cost
- Projects focused on major renovations or capital improvements
Eligible expenses
- Coordination costs for bringing organizations together, including venues and facilitators
- Purchasing food to support existing food programs
- One-time equipment or software purchases to improve food making, growing, or distribution
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects where research is the only activity
- Projects where employment is the only cost
- Major renovations and capital improvements
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for completeness and alignment with program themes
- Projects with community collaborations, equity-deserving communities, community buy-in, or new initiatives may receive higher priority
- Successful applicants receive a funding letter outlining terms and conditions
- The funding letter must be signed and returned before funds are released
- Recipients must submit a final report within 30 days of the project end date
Additional information
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the program manager before applying.
- Applications must be complete, signed, and dated.
- Supporting materials such as photos or letters of support may be included.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Local Food Security Initiatives Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Local Food Security Initiatives. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Local Food Security Initiatives?
This program supports projects that help vulnerable Nova Scotians access healthy, culturally appropriate, locally produced or prepared food. Funding is available for collaborative initiatives that strengthen local food security and food systems.
How much funding can be received?
Local Food Security Initiatives Funds up to $100,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Local Food Security Initiatives program?
To be eligible for the Local Food Security Initiatives program, you must:
Registered non-profit, charity, or Mi’kmaw band
Project supports local food security
Project matches a program theme
What expenses are eligible under Local Food Security Initiatives?
Procuring healthy, culturally appropriate, locally produced or prepared food for vulnerable communities
Building organizational capacity for collaborative food security programming
Creating partnerships and local food systems to reduce barriers to sourcing local food
Convening and coordinating collaborations to address food access challenges
Who can I contact for more information about the Local Food Security Initiatives?
You can contact Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage of Nova Scotia by email at CCTH.food@novascotia.ca or by phone at (902) 424-5793.
Where is the Local Food Security Initiatives available?
The Local Food Security Initiatives program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Local Food Security Initiatives a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Local Food Security Initiatives is a Partnering and Collaboration