New community food and health centre to open in River John
News release
Government of Canada supports inclusive space to address community need
May 19, 2023 · River John, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community public spaces to promote social interaction. These amenities are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities.
Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, announced an investment of $170,108 to the Community Support Society of River John, through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF). The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
The support will help the organization build and establish a new community centre focused on food and health security for River John and surrounding communities. The new centre will house a foodbank and also offer additional resources including a community garden with a greenhouse, meeting rooms and kitchen; Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) and local Meals on Wheels programs; and educational food literacy programs. The Health Centre portion will provide various medical and health services, such as foot care clinics, diabetic clinics, blood testing, and other direct health care and education services. The facility will also act as a emergency warming centre in times of need.
The CCRF was launched in June 2021. The fund provided $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in shared and inclusive public resources. This will help stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.
Quotes
“Strong, vibrant communities in Nova Scotia are a critical part of a robust and inclusive economy. Investing in organizations such as the Community Support Society of River John helps give residents a safe and welcoming place to come together and support one another.”
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“This project was born out of the recognition that there is a need for enhanced food and health security in and around River John. The Government of Canada is pleased to play a part in helping this important initiative move forward, and I am proud to see the community rallying together to support friends and neighbours in need.”
- The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Central Nova
“The Community Support Society of River John is proud to partner with the Federal and Provincial governments, whose financial support has permitted our vision of a multi-purpose Centre directed towards improving food security and health of residents of West Pictou County to be accomplished. Our goal has been to put in place a community resource with a facility and programs, which we hope will be positive benefit to the population of River John and West Pictou.”
- Paul Baron, President, Community Support Society of River John
Quick facts
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According to the Community Support Society of River John, approximately 30 percent of households in River John fall into the income bracket that normally relies on food banks. 29 percent of respondents to Engage NS Quality of Life Survey for Pictou County indicated that they could not afford nutritious food once or more per year. A recent Statistics Canada study estimated that 1 in 4 individuals in Nova Scotia (22 percent) are food insecure and cannot consistently and reliably afford healthy and nutritious food.
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The new community building will feature greenhouses and will be available to local non-profit groups for use in providing programs free of charge.
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The Community Support Society of River John is volunteer run.
Contacts
Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
John McKim
Secretary
Community Support Society of River John
902-293-3461
Mckimjohn55@gmail.com
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