New Halifax Program Delivers 100 Meals Weekly to 2SLGBTQ+ Community

UPDATE: A groundbreaking initiative in Halifax is transforming food access for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, launching this summer with the Lavender Kitchen program. This vital collaboration, involving Feed Nova Scotia, the Youth Project, and the Loaded Ladle, aims to serve up to 100 meals every Friday at the Dalhousie University student union building.

The Lavender Kitchen operates on Fridays, alternating between cooking lessons and educational gatherings, fostering a sense of community and belonging among participants. This inclusive space not only provides meals but also equips individuals with essential life skills. Volunteers are busy packaging meals for distribution to various community fridges, including one located behind the Glitter Bean Cafe, recognized as a queer-centric hub in the city.

Alicia Guo, a co-ordinator for the Loaded Ladle, emphasized the program’s dual purpose: feeding those in need while encouraging community engagement. “The kitchen space is such a special place for collaboration,” Guo stated.

Recent research from Mount Saint Vincent University highlights significant barriers faced by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in accessing food services, including distrust of religious institutions where many food banks operate and a lack of understanding from staff. The Lavender Kitchen addresses these issues head-on by creating a welcoming environment tailored to the community’s needs.

The program operates with substantial backing, as Feed Nova Scotia has invested between $30,000 and $35,000 to support this essential service. “This program is part of our commitment to fostering community-led food access for marginalized groups,” the organization stated.

Educator Calendula Sack from the Youth Project voiced concern over the treatment of food insecure individuals within mainstream food programs, stressing the importance of dedicated spaces for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. “If you are explicitly told this space is for you, created by people like you, it lowers the barriers,” Sack noted. “Building a supportive network can be life-saving.”

With the Lavender Kitchen preparing between 80 and 100 meals each week and donating leftovers to community kitchens, the program is making an immediate impact in Halifax. The initiative not only meets urgent nutritional needs but also fosters a sense of belonging and support among participants.

As the program continues to grow, community members and advocates are encouraged to engage and support this vital resource. The Lavender Kitchen exemplifies how focused efforts can dismantle barriers and promote inclusivity in food access, making it a model for other communities to consider.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Halifax leads the way in equitable food access for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.