Seniors Stay Active, Healthy Through Community Projects
Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Barbara Adams (left) talks with Mandy Chapman, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Mobile Food Market Society, about the organization’s Healthy Seniors Mobile Market project, one of 41 projects receiving an Age-Friendly Communities Grant this year. (Province of Nova Scotia)
NOTE: Photos of Minister Adams visiting the Nova Scotia Mobile Food Market Society’s mobile market in Dartmouth today, June 13, are available at: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/06/13/healthy-seniors-mobile-market-project
A mobile food market that delivers fresh, affordable produce to seniors’ buildings is one of 41 projects receiving funding that helps older Nova Scotians live healthy, active lives in their communities.
The Nova Scotia Mobile Food Market Society, based in Dartmouth, is receiving $20,000 from the Age-Friendly Community Grant program for its Healthy Seniors Mobile Market project. With this grant, the mobile food market will hold regular pop-up markets at three seniors’ buildings in Dartmouth and Halifax.
“The mobile market is making it easier and more affordable for seniors in these buildings to get fresh, nutritious vegetables and fruit. This is one of the many excellent activities offered by groups to seniors across Nova Scotia so they can learn new skills, stay active and healthy, and connect with others,” said Barbara Adams, Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care. “By supporting community groups, these grants are helping seniors age well in their communities.”
By partnering with local producers and buying produce in bulk, and repackaging it in smaller, affordable portions, the mobile market is able to sell healthy food at lower prices. Taking it to seniors’ housing makes it easier for them to purchase.
This year, more than $500,000 is being invested through Age-Friendly Community Grant program in projects that help seniors stay active, engaged and socially connected in communities across the province.
Activities offered to seniors through projects receiving grants this year include:
- training on technology and digital skills
- community gardens and cooking classes for seniors and youth
- art activities such as quilting and printmaking
- guided walks and low-impact fitness classes
- community meals and large celebrations like dances and BBQs
- tasks like lawn care
The program provides up to $25,000 each for efforts to create age-friendly environments and promote healthy aging.
The list of projects receiving grants this year and more information on the program are available at: https://novascotia.ca/age-friendly-grant/
Quotes:
“The seniors project was developed at the request of seniors and in partnership with them. By building on an existing program and co-creating these mini markets within their own communities, we're not just increasing access to healthy food – we're strengthening social connections, dignity and independence for older adults.”
— Mandy Chapman, Executive Director, Mobile Food Market
Quick Facts:
- the Age-Friendly Communities Grant program opens for applications in the fall each year
- groups eligible to apply include not-for-profit organizations and co-operatives, municipalities, First Nations communities and universities
- individuals and businesses are not eligible to apply
Additional Resources:
Nova Scotia Mobile Food Market Society: https://www.mobilefoodmarket.ca/
Action for Health, the government’s plan to improve the healthcare system: https://actionforhealth.novascotia.ca/