Some Examples of Participatory Research:

Food Costing Studies

The need for and purpose of the research emerged from the community, as some of the participants of Family Resource Centers/Projects (FRC/Ps) along with Nova Scotia Nutrition Council (NSNC) members were the catalyst for this initiative. Participants in food costing and story sharing were also involved in many aspects of the research, including data collection, data analysis, decision-making, report writing, project design, and communication of the findings.

The momentum built through collecting the evidence in the research has led to the submission of proposals and continued funding. The communities involved continued to move forward by initiating and conducting community dialogues and action plans regarding food insecurity and developing local strategies for addressing the issues. The dialogues represent the next step toward using the research to affect action and social change.

Nova Scotia Food Security Network

Is a network of individuals and organizations interested in improving food security in Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia Food Security Network focuses on food security for all, addressing the root causes of food insecurity, capacity building, inclusion, participatory processes and collaboration. The group has active and equal involvement of food insecure individuals, community groups, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. It incorporates perspectives from business, agriculture, fisheries, community, government, environment and poverty standpoints. The network is currently involved in several projects to build food security. For more information on NSFSN visit their website: click here

Capacity Building for Food Security Through Mentoring

Is a national project that used the knowledge of mentors from across the country to enhance the capacities of the Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) and the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) Food Mentors to address food security issues through policy change. They produced a video to complement "Though About Food: A Workbook on Food Security and Influencing Policy." The Food Security Mentors were involved in planning, implementing, and evaluating a National Training Workshop.