At Dartmouth North Public Library, food has long been part of the story. From after-school snacks to shared meals, food can create a sense of home. In 2024, this work took on a new dimension through the Community Eats grant, which provided short-term, but impactful funding across all Halifax Public Libraries to help address hunger and food insecurity.
Funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage, Community Eats enabled branches to serve healthy snacks, order catered meals for community celebrations and gatherings, and pilot programs that met people where they were. It was a chance to shift from discussing food literacy to putting real food into bellies—quickly, simply, and with dignity.
At Dartmouth North, the grant supported family-friendly initiatives like Lunch & Lego, where boxed lunches from local restaurants gave kids and parents a nutritious meal while connecting with their neighbours. “It was truly wonderful to offer food on this scale over the summer and fall months, particularly now when food costs are so high,” reflected one staff member. “Food plays an integral role in bringing communities together.”
Other Library branches built on the momentum in creative ways. Musquodoboit Harbour Public Library amped up their CommuniTEA series to bring rural neighbours together. Central Library used the funding to support their ever-popular Coffee Corner, where snacks and drinks became a way to connect with people struggling to find food and shelter . At Keshen Goodman Public Library, fresh produce tables ensured families had fruit and vegetables during the holiday season—sometimes the only way participants were able to serve a full meal.
Community Eats also expanded the reach of food literacy and skills development. Through workshops, teens in Preston Township learned to make smoothies and went home with their own Nutribullet™ blenders. Food Learning Sessions in Sheet Harbour, Musquodoboit Valley, and Preston Township gave families access to appliances like air fryers and slow cookers to make healthy meals at home.
Beyond meals, the grant helped to build dignity, trust, and connection. As Ken Williment, Basin District Manager, put it: “Funds provided by this grant not only helped to feed community in a tough economic climate, but also allowed Library staff to support local restaurants and catering businesses, pilot new and innovative programming, welcome newcomers into our spaces, and build relationships with our youth and vulnerable patrons.”
Halifax Public Libraries’ Community Eats work shows that food at the Library is never just about what’s on the plate. It’s about the relationships built across tables, the comfort of knowing you’ll be welcomed, and the shared belief that everyone deserves access to good food and good company.
This story was originally shared as part of Halifax Public Libraries' 2024-25 Annual Report. Read the full report and explore more, here.
Add a comment to: Feeding the Need: Community Eats