A Lunenburg couple offers a helping hand in the face of growing food insecurity

David Jarvis and Karen Beals-Jarvis dedicated their Friday afternoon to preparing nine hunter’s pies, a dish made with deer meat. However, these pies were not meant for a family gathering or a potluck. Instead, the couple planned to stock up a community pantry located behind a small business known as The Water Market on the outskirts of Lunenburg, N.S.

In 2022, David and Karen established the We Feed Lunenburg Facebook group with the aim of rallying gardeners in the community to donate excess produce to the local food bank at the Central United Church. What started as a small initiative has now evolved into a vital response to the growing issue of food insecurity in the area.

“When people think of Lunenburg, they may not realize that there are individuals who are struggling to make ends meet,” remarked Jarvis. “It’s a very rural community where owning a car is a necessity. When faced with the choice between putting gas in the car or having a meal, many people simply cannot afford both.”

Their journey began with the couple bringing surplus produce from their garden to the food bank. As community support increased, so did the demand for assistance. Subsequently, We Feed Lunenburg launched a community pantry during the summer to cater to the escalating need for food support. This pantry is restocked twice a day and operates independently from the food bank.

Upon moving to Lunenburg in 2019, David and Karen started growing vegetables in a small greenhouse to become more self-sufficient. Their involvement with a neighbor who volunteered at the food bank inspired them to begin donating their homegrown produce. The We Feed Lunenburg Facebook group was then born out of a desire to involve more individuals in the cause.

With a background in baking, Jarvis started creating cookies, bread, and muffins to contribute to the food bank. Today, the We Feed Lunenburg group boasts 600 members, including local businesses, bakers, gardeners, and other community members eager to lend a hand.

Noticing a steady rise in the demand for food support, particularly among seniors, young couples, and newcomers, the couple realized the pressing need to address food insecurity in the area. According to the HungerCount 2024 report, food bank visits in Canada increased by six percent in 2023-24, with Nova Scotia experiencing a 21 percent surge.

The escalating demand has placed a strain on food banks across the province, leading some to reduce the variety of food items available. Alicia Van De Sande, co-owner of The Water Market, supported the idea of setting up a community pantry behind their store when approached by the Jarvis couple. She recognized the urgency of the situation and believed it was a meaningful way to offer assistance.

The success of the pantry was immediate, but Karen noted that the necessity for such services was disheartening. The couple has since formalized We Feed Lunenburg as a charity and is contemplating expanding the pantry to reach more individuals in need.