"Building capacity for local, sustainable food systems: Planting the seeds for food security in Nova Scotia" is a research project being conducted by academic researchers at Mount Saint Vincent University and Saint Francis Xavier University in partnership with a range of community researchers. The project is studying food security in two Nova Scotia communities: Spryfield and Antigonish. The study will explore challenges people face getting access to nutritious, local food as well as challenges faced by local producers in bringing their products to local markets. The goal of the study is to put forward policy recommendations which may help further improve community food security in both communities.

The research project has two stages. The first stage is a survey to be completed by groups involved in food security in Spryfield and Antigonish. With the information gathered from the survey, an asset map will be created to geographically represent the existing food security assets and resources in each community.

The second stage of the study is a series of focus groups which will involve community members including citizens/consumers, suppliers, producers and processors, who will have the opportunity to give their opinion on how to strengthen local food systems.

The project has received seed grant funding from the Centre for Urban Health Initiatives.