Article – The sound of sirens usually signals emergency, but for the Caring and Sharing Food Bank in Elmsdale, the local fire department’s approach brings nothing but relief. This week, Elmsdale Fire Department members presented a cheque for $1,000 to support the food bank’s ongoing operations – a donation that comes at a critical time for many families in the region.
“This contribution represents more than just dollars,” explained Fire Chief Mike Johnson, as he handed over the donation to food bank coordinator Susan Miller. “It represents our commitment to supporting the community we serve, both in emergencies and in everyday needs.”
The department raised the funds through their annual community breakfast held last month, which drew over 250 residents. What began as a modest fundraiser has evolved into a significant annual tradition for the volunteer firefighters, who have consistently directed proceeds toward local causes.
Food bank usage in Nova Scotia has increased by approximately 17% in the past year, according to Feed Nova Scotia’s quarterly reports. The Caring and Sharing Food Bank specifically has seen client numbers rise from 87 families to over 120 since January, reflecting growing food security challenges in rural communities.
Miller noted that the donation would help stock shelves during the traditionally difficult summer months. “People think about food banks during Christmas and Thanksgiving, but hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation,” she said. “This contribution helps fill the gap when donations typically slow down.”
For the firefighters, many of whom volunteer additional hours beyond their emergency duties, the food drive represents personal investment in community welfare. Lieutenant Dave Thompson, who organized this year’s fundraising efforts, has witnessed the impact of food insecurity firsthand during home visits for safety checks.
“Sometimes we’re called to homes where we notice empty cupboards while installing smoke detectors,” Thompson shared. “That sticks with you. As first responders, we’re uniquely positioned to see community needs that might otherwise go unnoticed.”
The fire department’s contribution will specifically support the food bank’s fresh food initiative, allowing for the purchase of vegetables, dairy products, and proteins that complement non-perishable donations. These items represent the most significant need for food banks but are often the most challenging to source through traditional donation channels.
Provincial data indicates that nearly one in six children in Nova Scotia lives in food-insecure households, with rural areas facing additional challenges due to transportation barriers and fewer service options. The East Hants region, where Elmsdale is located, has seen increasing pressure on community support systems as living costs rise while wages remain relatively stagnant.
“We see this as preventative community care,” said Johnson. “Just as we work to prevent emergencies through fire safety education, supporting food security helps prevent other types of community crises.”
The relationship between Elmsdale’s firefighters and the food bank has deepened over the past five years. Beyond financial contributions, department members regularly volunteer during food sorting events and help with heavy lifting tasks that might otherwise strain the food bank’s largely senior volunteer base.
Miller emphasized that the partnership benefits from the fire department’s community visibility. “When people see our firefighters supporting the food bank, it helps reduce stigma around asking for help,” she explained. “If these respected community members believe in our mission, others feel more comfortable both donating and seeking assistance when needed.”
The fire department has already committed to expanding next year’s fundraising target to $1,500, with plans to involve local schools in collection efforts. This approach aims to create multi-generational awareness about both fire safety and community support systems.
As food costs continue rising across Canada, with grocery prices increasing at nearly twice the rate of overall inflation according to Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index, community-based support initiatives have become increasingly vital to maintaining social safety nets.
For the families who rely on the Caring and Sharing Food Bank, the firefighters’ contribution represents more than just calories – it demonstrates community solidarity during challenging economic times. As one client remarked while picking up groceries this week, “Knowing our firefighters care about us in this way makes me feel like we’re all looking out for each other here.”
Both organizations hope their partnership might inspire similar collaborations in neighboring communities, creating a regional approach to addressing food security challenges throughout rural Nova Scotia.
“Sometimes the most important emergencies to respond to aren’t the ones that come through our dispatch system,” reflected Johnson as he helped unload food supplies. “They’re the quiet, ongoing challenges that our neighbors face every day.”
