The rising costs of groceries have made finding affordable, healthy food a challenge for many households. In fact, Nova Scotia has the highest rate of food insecurity across Canada. That’s why we believe it’s important to highlight local organizations that are making fresh produce accessible to everyone in our community. For residents of Fairview-Clayton Park, two amazing programs are leading the way: The Mobile Food Market and Square Roots.
The Mobile Food Market (Website, Facebook, Instagram):
The Mobile Food Market is a community-driven initiative that partners with local organizations to bring fresh, affordable produce directly to our neighborhoods’.
Here are a few ways to access fresh food though the Mobile Food Market:
- Community Markets
Every Saturday, the Mobile Food Market holds a pop-up market at a local community space. From June to October 11th, you can find their produce truck at Titus Smith Memorial Park from 9:30 – 11:00 am. You can check out the full market calendar here:
mobilefoodmarket.ca/community-markets
2. Bulk Food Delivery Service
For community organizations looking to order affordable and fresh produce in larger quantities, you can use this service to buy in bulk and have it delivered to your door.This could be your cost-effective solution to building a community pantry, starting a lunch program or running a community kitchen.
3. Seniors Fresh food Box program – “By Seniors, For Seniors”
This is a unique, year-round program where residents in participating senior buildings can order produce, organize bundles and distribute them to their neighbours. can order a pre-backed box of fresh produce which are then delivered to community hubs for easy pickup. This program not only improves food access but it also empowers seniors to stay engaged and connected.
If you are looking for other food access points, the Mobile Food Market’s interactive Community Food Ecosystem map is a great place to to find food banks, affordable meals and community fridges near you: mobilefoodmarket.ca/food-asset-map
Square Roots (Website, Facebook):
Square Roots is a social enterprise that aims to redistribute surplus produce that might otherwise go to waste, and offer it to residents in affordable bundles. For a 10 – pound bundle, you can pay $10 or $7.50 depending on your budget. This pay-what-you-can model is designed to ensure food access with dignity.
When, Where and How?
Square Roots Fairview–Clayton Park operates out of The Salvation Army Halifax West Community Church in Fairview on 50 Gesner Street.The upcoming dates for produce pickup are 17th May, 31st May and 14th June, 2025, after which Square Roots will suspend their services until September. If you would like to pick up a produce bundle in the Fairview–Clayton Park area, you can reserve a bundle using this link: https://forms.gle/DYyVHv8qp5noMsvA6
For more information about Square Roots services in Fairview–Clayton Park, you can read their updates on Facebook (facebook.com/squarerootsfvcp/).
Thanks to grassroots organizations like Mobile Food Market and Square Roots, the families, seniors and individuals of Fairview–Clayton Park have practical options for affordable, fresh and nutritious food.
If you need any help connecting to food-related resources, please reach out to my office. I am here to help and proud to support programs that uplift our community health and well-being.
