Local markets that provide produce at a lower price could not operate in the Quad Counties after a government grant finished.
Square Roots says since funding ended, the volunteers would need to pay out of pocket to cover costs for leftover produce that’s donated to those in need.
The affordable surplus and second grade produce is mostly grown by farmers in the valley and transported to markets throughout Nova Scotia, according to Co-Project Manager Tyler MacLean.
The original grant that was received in April 2024, mainly covered produce costs, specifically to support growth to new locations, including Port Hawkesbury, D’Escousse and Guysborough, he explained.
He says it allowed them to offer free produce (up to a certain weight) for Christmas 2024 and to run free markets in 10 communities across the province.
“We have applied for the Feeding Communities Fund Grant from the Department of Communities and are looking to start discussions in the communities we operate in (both in Eastern and Northern Nova Scotia and in the HRM) to explore long-term government or community funding,” stated MacLean.
“We provide about $250,000 value each year to the communities we serve with low outside funding up until now, but want to secure funding to ensure we can continue to sustainably operate.”
St. Mary’s University students volunteer to run the logistics of the program in Halifax.
Quad Counties affected
Port Hawkesbury Community Manager, Michele Tabensky said increasing prices on the produce to offset the new costs defeats the purpose of the program being affordable.
“Once we get back up and open, they really should check it out because the produce is really great and great prices and like it’s way cheaper than at the local stores. And they should give it a try because like everything else, you don’t use it, you lose it,” she shared.
Their group donates leftover produce to the Port Hawkesbury Food Bank, Leeside Transition House, ROC Society, and the seniors or families they know could really use it.
The D’Escousse Community Manager, Lois Landry says the more you buy at these markets allows them to help people who are really struggling.
“Sometimes folks have said to us, you know, don’t want to go and buy food if it’s taking away from folks who maybe don’t have as much money as we do, and in fact, the more people who purchase from Square Roots, the better,” she expressed.
They have worked with the local food bank and schools to donate their leftover produce.
In December, they received $900 in monetary donations from a Facebook post to go towards food they gave away to those in need.
The Guysborough and D’Escousse markets aim to start back up on February 21, while Port Hawkesbury plans to restart March 7.
Square Roots Guysborough will be collecting orders and payments in advance of market dates for the foreseeable future.
You can contact any location directly, if you can donate or offer them any funding opportunities.
