History

What was the outcome?

Participatory food costing is now an on-going project in Nova Scotia funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and Protection. Individuals gain the knowledge and tools to conduct food costing within their communities. The results of this research are used by many organizations to increase awareness of the importance of food security in communities both within Nova Scotia and across Canada, and to inform policies such as Income Assistance and Minimum wage.


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		How it all Started: We began by asking a simple question: “How much does it cost for households living in Nova Scotia to maintain a nutritious diet?” The process used to determine this is called “Food Costing.” Why was the food costing study done? When was it done? Until 2002, food costing had not been completed in Nova Scotia since 1988, so there was an urgent need to determine the current cost of a basic nutritious diet for various communities and for various family types. We undertook our first food costing study in 2002. Following this, food costing studies were conducted in Nova Scotia in 2004/05, 2007 and 2008. How was it done? Using lessons learned from 1988 and the work of Travers (1997), we realized that it is essential to involve people with first hand experience of food insecurity.²⁶ Involving those with first hand experience of food insecurity in all stages of the research would have the greatest impact. We worked closely with our partners using participatory approaches to collect the data.
		What was the outcome? Participatory food costing is now an on-going project in Nova Scotia funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and Protection. Individuals gain the knowledge and tools to conduct food costing within their communities. The results of this research are used by many organizations to increase awareness of the importance of food security in communities both within Nova Scotia and across Canada, and to inform policies such as Income Assistance and Minimum wage.	"Our experience in Nova Scotia helped us develop a better understanding of food insecurity as well as what steps can be taken to change policies and create long term solutions" Dr. Patty Williams
		Beyond the updated cost of a basic nutritious diet in Nova Scotia, there has also been the development of strong partnerships with a range of organizations. Through this work, many people and organizations are motivated to continue working together to build food security in Nova Scotia.
Updated April 2009	The information on this website has been developed by and is at the discretion of Dr. Patty Williams. The information on this site is not published by Mount Saint Vincent University and therefore Mount Saint Vincent University cannot accept responsibility or liability for any persons who suffer loss, injury or damage from its use. Anyone using the information on this site does so at his or her own risk.