Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank is Nova Scotia’s largest independent food bank, funded entirely by community partnerships, grants, and private donors. We provide wraparound support for Halifax-area residents experiencing poverty through diverse programs designed to improve long-term life outcomes. Beyond our core food and furniture banks, we help clients navigate difficult times with emergency assistance, an annual tax clinic, and seasonal initiatives—including school supply and winter coat giveaways, birthday gifts for children under 12, and Christmas hampers. Our mission is to provide food, furniture and emergency relief with dignity.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank works to reduce the suffering in our community by addressing the growing crisis of food insecurity and financial instability. As the cost of living and housing continues to rise, we provide direct support to low-income people who are struggling to meet their basic needs. Our goal is to bridge the gap for those who cannot afford essentials like groceries, furniture, or infant supplies. By providing these resources alongside emergency relief, we help our neighbours navigate difficult times and improve their long-term outcomes with dignity.
When did you start/join it?
I have been with Parker Street for one year, though the organization has served the community since 1983. It began in a one-car garage on Parker Street, which is where we got our name, before later moving to our current facilities at 2415 and 2425 Maynard Street. Over the last four decades, we have grown from that single garage into the province’s largest independent food bank, expanding our reach to meet the evolving needs of our neighbours.
What made you want to get involved?
I first became involved with Parker Street about 10 years ago as a client while I was a university student. Having grown up in a food-insecure home, I realized early on that food is the foundation of everything. You cannot show up fully at work or school if you are not well nourished, and I wanted to be part of the solution to a problem that affects nearly 29% of Nova Scotians. By joining this organization, I hope to help ensure that everyone in our province can start their day with equity and the support they need to thrive.
What was the situation like when you started?
When I started with Parker Street, the situation was challenging because the entire sector was facing a perfect storm. Across Nova Scotia, food banks were seeing a record-breaking increase in demand as the cost of living climbed. While the need for support was rising by nearly 20 percent province-wide, donations across the charitable sector were trending downward. It was a difficult time to step in, as more people were visiting food banks for the first time, including students and employed professionals who could no longer keep up with rising costs.
How has it changed since?
Since then, we have focused on stabilizing our resources by diversifying how we connect with the community. We are actively looking to expand our partnerships with local businesses, organizations and individuals. Whether it is through a food drive, an information session or a monthly cash donation, we would love to talk about how we can work together. These collaborations are essential because they help us weather the broader economic cycles that affect the entire food bank network.
What more needs to be done?
While we are proud of the immediate relief we provide, more needs to be done to address the root causes of poverty. Across Canada, record numbers of people are now relying on food banks, and Nova Scotia continues to see some of the highest rates of food insecurity in the country. We need to move beyond emergency assistance and toward long-term sustainability. This means securing consistent funding and building a stronger network of local advocates to ensure that no neighbour has to choose between paying their power bill and putting food on the table.
How can our readers help?
Financial contributions are incredibly impactful, as they allow us to purchase fresh food and support our emergency assistance programs. We also welcome food donations, which can be dropped off at our Maynard Street location. Additionally, we are looking for volunteers to help with our daily operations and local businesses interested in hosting food drives or information sessions. Every contribution, whether it is a one-time gift or a monthly commitment, helps ensure that we can provide essential services to those who need them most.
Do you have any events coming up?
Our annual 5k run will take place this fall, and we are working to finalize the date. More registration information will be coming soon. We are also pleased to announce that our birthday club has officially reopened for registered clients. Thanks to a very successful toy drive last Christmas, we have a wonderful selection of gifts available for children aged two to 12. We encourage registered families with upcoming birthdays to reach out so we can help make their child’s celebration special.
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PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
I deeply value the work done by Adsum for Women and Children, another north-end charity that supports people and families navigating homelessness and systemic barriers. Our work directly complements their efforts. When their clients find housing after experiencing displacement or trauma, we can provide essentials like couches and tables. This ensures a family has a place to gather and children have a dedicated space to do their homework. Supporting people as they move toward stability and helping families find their footing is incredibly meaningful.
