Food Without Borders, the North end of Halifax celebrating cultural diversity and connection.
The Food Without Borders project brought families from many different cultural backgrounds together in North End Halifax to build stronger community connections through food. Families from African Nova Scotian, newcomer, and refugee communities gathered every two weeks to cook and share meals from around the world.
This helped people learn about each other's cultures, feel more welcome, and build friendships. Participants grew culturally meaningful foods in the garden and cooked together in the Hope Blooms Global Kitchen. Women in the program had the chance to earn certificates in Safe Food Handling, First Aid, and WHMIS, and could join a workshop series to learn how to start their own small food business. They also sold what they made at the Hope Blooms Farmers Market, among the products sold we had chilean empanadas, syrian bread, popsicles, agua de jamaica, horchata, and butter chicken.
This project helped reduce food insecurity while also making sure people had access to the traditional foods that are part of their heritage. It created a safe space for women to support each other, share stories, and talk about their experiences in a changing neighbourhood. By bringing together long-time African Nova Scotian residents and new Canadians, the project built understanding and helped heal divisions caused by racism, displacement, and gentrification.
