History of the Network

The NSFSN and the NSFSN Steering Committee grew out of the work of the Nova Scotia Participatory Food Security Projects, which conducted a series of nine research projects between 2000 and 2006. 

Notable accomplishments of these projects include the development of resources and community tools including Thought About Food?: A Workbook on Food Security and Influencing Policy and the complementary DVD, Food Security - Everyone's Business.

The Nova Scotia Participatory Food Security Projects have now completed four rounds of food costing in the province:  in 2002-2003, 2004-2005, 2007 and 2008. To support food costing initiatives in Nova Scotia, the network developed What does it cost to eat health in your community? A training guide to participatory food costing.

To support policy makers in understanding the issue of food security and developing policies that support food security, the projects developed Understanding the Relationship Between Public Policy and Food Security in Nova Scotia: A Background Paper and Policy Lens.  This lens can be used in conjunction with other policy lenses to ensure that the food security of Nova Scotians is not negatively impacted by policy change, and that food security is a consideration in all types of public policy.

The NSFSN has held two gatherings of individuals and organizations engaged in food security work in Nova Scotia.  The first was held in March 2007 and the second in December 2008.  Proceedings from both of these events can be accessed in the Resources and Publications section.  We were also actively involved in the Moving the Food Movement Gathering in November 2009.  You can find ongoing discussions from that event on the NS Food Ning Site.