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Contact usDevelop new ways to improve food security
The application period closed on November 20, 2020. If you have any questions, contact Jane Ouillette via email or phone 902-717-5199.
We're bringing individuals and organizations together who want to explore new ways of addressing food insecurity in their communities.
We are striving for a food system in Halifax that provides adequate, healthy, safe, and sustainable food to our community members as a basic human right. Do you have an idea that can help achieve this goal?
We want to hear from you if:
- you have an idea or question in mind that you'd like to explore further
- you work with individuals experiencing food insecurity
- you want to explore new ways of working and develop skills to innovate
Rethink complex problems in new ways and create a community of innovators.
The day-to-day realities of running a business or organization means there are few outlets or time set aside to try and test new ideas. This is an opportunity to inject new thinking into your work. We will collaborate as a group with diverse skillsets, knowledge, and experiences to develop your ideas and share them with your community.
By participating you'll:
- Get an outlet to spark innovation in your organization
- Receive strategic planning and support to implement new ideas
- Build connections with people who are invested in working differently and serving their communities
- Develop capacity and skills for your team to try new ideas in the future
How does it work?
From November to February, we will work as a group to develop new ways to improve access to good food, learn from successes and failures, and create tangible concepts that can be tested in your community. Nothing is fixed and we expect to learn and adapt as this process unfolds to match your needs.
Tell us about your ideas to improve food security before November 20.
Explore the project and get to know people in the group
Develop ideas into tangible and testable concepts with help from the group and facilitators
Gather feedback on your ideas and prototypes and connect with the resources and partners needed to implement
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is invited?
Community members and organizations from the Halifax Regional Municipality who are interested in testing ideas to improve our food systems. This includes (though is not limited to) restaurants, farmers markets, schools, food banks, cultural centres, student groups, and other organizations with ongoing food initiatives or who deliver related services directly to their communities.
What is the commitment?
The time commitment will be approximately 20 hours for workshops plus additional time for independent work.
The project will be split into two sections: 6 weeks over November and December, and another 6 weeks over January and February. Each 6-week section will involve approximately 10 hours of workshops and between workshops there will be regular check-in calls for planning purposes and independent work.
What contribution is expected from an organization or employer?
Participants can expect collaborative sessions and check-in calls to take place during working hours on weekdays. You may need to take time during the work week to attend meetings and focus on your concept between working sessions. We will make every attempt to schedule around conflicts.
Are there any costs to participate?
There are no costs for participants and we will compensate you for costs that pose as a barrier to joining, such as childcare or transportation. Although this is not a paid opportunity, we will look for ways throughout the process to fairly recognize the value community members, organizations, and participants bring to our work.
How will responses be reviewed?
We will prioritize participants who self-identify as traditionally underrepresented groups such as Indigenous, Black, and other visible minorities, immigrants & newcomers, and persons with disabilities.
It is more important that your organization is embedded in your community and/or you have lived experience with food insecurity. No judgement will be made based on the ideas that are suggested.
How will the COVID-19 pandemic impact this initiative?
The safety of everyone involved is our primary focus. The exact approach and precautions will depend on how many people are involved, the ideas we are working on, and how those ideas need to be tested in the community. We’ll follow all public health guidelines
Is there a deadline for applications?
Yes, applications will be accepted until November 20, 2020. Please get in touch if you have any concerns with meeting the deadline date.
Program Partners
Access to good food impacts people’s wellbeing, a community’s resilience, and the health of our economy and environment.
We all have a role to play in shaping the future of food. The Halifax Innovation District, Halifax Partnership, and HRM are collaborating to inspire social innovation to create lasting change in our city’s food system. We are working with Davis Pier, a professional services firm that provides innovative solutions to complex government and social challenges.
The Halifax Innovation District
Halifax’s Innovation District has a high concentration of people, businesses, organizations and resources that are fostering innovation and growth. The Halifax Innovation Outpost is the first major project of the District and aims to advance the role of innovation within municipal government and our city.