Ecology Action Centre Receives Age-Friendly Community Grant for Cape Breton Food Box Program

Seniors in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) will get deliveries of healthy, locally sourced food thanks to a community grant from the province.

MLA Derek Mombourquette, on behalf of Leo Glavine, Minister of Seniors, announced $9,400 for the Ecology Action Centre’s Age-Friendly Food Box Program today, March 14, in Sydney.

“Older adults are some of the most important members of our communities. They have given us so much over the years, and now it’s time that we give back,” said Mr. Mombourquette. “This pilot program will help older adults in CBRM by providing locally sourced, weekly food boxes to their door.”

The Ecology Action Centre is partnering with New Dawn Meals on Wheels and the Pan-Cape Breton Food Hub to pilot the Age-Friendly Food Box Program in Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

“We’re excited to work with our partners to bring the new Age-Friendly Food Box Program to Cape Breton. It’s our goal to improve access to healthy food and create positive food environments,” said Jody Nelson, community food co-ordinator with the Ecology Action Centre. “Together, we’ll support seniors in Cape Breton by delivering basic, nutritious groceries that will allow people to age in place and maintain healthy lives.”

The province awarded more than $285,000 in Age-Friendly Community Grants to 32 groups across Nova Scotia that create opportunities to support, engage and include older adults in the community. Support from government helps these inclusive groups improve accessibility for seniors, enabling them to participate more fully in their communities.