Urgency for change
In civic engagement programs at Community Food Centres and Good Food Organizations across the country, community members learn that their voices matter. “I always say, ‘If you eat, then this is your battle.’ Food is connected to everything,” says Amanda-Lynn Nickerson at The North Grove CFC in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
“North Grove CFC changed my life,” says Amanda-Lynn Nickerson, who lives in Dartmouth North, Nova Scotia (pictured above, left). “I’m a better person, mother, and a better community member, because I’m engaged in my neighbourhood.”
Starting as a volunteer at the fresh food market and becoming a vital part of the advocacy program, Amanda-Lynn became a full-time staff member at The North Grove four years ago. She now works in the kitchen and wherever else she’s needed — including feeding the centre’s new flock of chickens on the weekends!
“North Grove CFC changed my life… I’m a better person, mother, and a better community member, because I’m engaged in my neighbourhood.”
“I always say, ‘if you eat, then this is your battle.’ Food is connected to everything,” she explains.
Amanda-Lynn is especially proud of the Speak Up, Show Up events The North Grove hosts where residents talk to political candidates about the issues—like housing and food insecurity— that affect them and their low-income neighbours.
“Politicians come to us these days,” she says. “And our community is ready. We demonstrate a real urgency for change.”
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“Northgrove CFC changed my life,” says Amanda-Lynn Nickerson, who lives in Dartmouth North, Nova Scotia. “It’s made me a better person, mother and a better community member, because I’m engaged in my neighbourhood.”
Starting as a volunteer at the fresh food market and becoming a vital part of the advocacy program, Amanda-Lynn was hired as a full-time staff member at Northgrove four years ago. She now works in the kitchen and wherever else she’s needed — including feeding the centre’s new flock of chickens on the weekends!
“I always say if you eat, then this is your battle. Food is connected to everything,” she explains.
Amanda-Lynn is especially proud of the Speak Up, Show Up events Northgrove hosts where residents talk to political candidates about the issues—like housing and food insecurity— that affect them and their low-income neighbours.
“Politicians come to us these days,” she says. “And our community is ready. We communicate a real urgency for change.”
During the pandemic, The Local closed to in-person meals, but Susan was one of hundreds of community members who received hot food delivered by volunteers three times a week. She missed her friends, but these healthy meals, dropped off at her door, were a lifesaver after a 2020 stroke left her in hospital and rehab for months, then unable to drive or use her stove afterward. Sometimes the volunteers would even help clear the snow from her walk. “They always had a kind word—they really went above and beyond,” says Susan.
Some of her old crowd have passed away, but she’s found new people to sit with during community meals. And she’s also accessing supports, like referrals for mental health services and a nurse practitioner who can test her blood sugar. “I feel so welcome there,” Susan says. “People are wonderful. They make me feel supported. I truly feel part of this place.”
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