A volunteer-led organization in Dartmouth is currently spending close to $6,000 per month on providing free food to the community through its community fridge initiative. The Dartmouth Community Fridge, situated at Christ Church on Dundas Street, receives food donations from local residents and businesses, which are replenished multiple times daily by dedicated volunteers. The program, established a few years ago, aims to support individuals facing financial challenges by offering easily accessible food assistance.
Christene Nottegar, a long-time volunteer with the organization, mentioned that the food donations are swiftly taken by community members once they are stocked in the fridge. The group disclosed in a recent social media post that over $60,000 worth of food was procured for the fridge between April 2024 and March 2025, primarily funded through various fundraising efforts. Nottegar emphasized the growing demand for food support, reflecting the ongoing struggle with affordability among many individuals.
The Dartmouth Community Fridge is maintained and supplied by a team of more than 60 active volunteers. During a visit by CBC News, a continuous flow of individuals was observed collecting food items from the site. Similarly, community pantries in another part of the city have experienced an uptick in demand, especially over the past year, as noted by David Aalders, a co-founder of the Fairview Food Pantry Project.
Recent data from Statistics Canada revealed that over 29% of Nova Scotians encountered food insecurity in 2023. Furthermore, Food Banks Canada’s Hunger Count report highlighted a notable increase in visits to Nova Scotia food banks, surpassing 43,000 in March, with nearly a quarter of visitors citing employment as their primary income source.
Aalders acknowledged the diverse needs of the Fairview area’s community and emphasized the importance of offering a variety of food items beyond the standard provisions. Nottegar underscored the essential role of financial contributions and community support in sustaining the ongoing efforts to supply the community fridge with food regularly.
The dedication of individuals stepping up to aid their neighbors in need remains a cornerstone of the initiative, as highlighted by Nottegar. The collaborative effort among volunteers and supporters continues to play a crucial role in addressing food insecurity within the local community.