- Nourish Champions
Meet Emily
Emily joined Nourish Nova Scotia in 2023 as the Program Development Coordinator. Her role later expanded to Program Manager, where she has continued to support the development of our food literacy programming and the creation of our professional development material centered on creating supportive food environments for youth.
Emily holds a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics from Mount Saint Vincent University and completed her Dietetic Internship at Nova Scotia Health. She previously completed a degree in Psychology and worked in youth education and literacy before making the switch to nutrition, now combining her love for nutrition and education at Nourish Nova Scotia!
What drew you to get involved with Nourish Nova Scotia?
I was initially drawn to get involved with Nourish Nova Scotia because it felt like the perfect opportunity to combine two areas I love: food and nutrition, and youth education. I had always admired the work that Nourish did and was excited to be involved in food literacy education for youth.
Being part of a team that supports programs designed to build food literacy has been incredibly rewarding. I love that at Nourish, we aim to make learning about food fun, accessible, and engaging while also supporting youth develop positive relationships with food and the confidence to navigate food choices throughout their lives. Being able to contribute to this kind of impact has been such an incredible part of my role!
What is a food story you cherish?
There are many food stories and memories I cherish, but when I try to narrow it down, I often find myself coming back to my grandmother’s house and the way we were always welcomed by the smell of her cooking. Whether it was fresh bread baking or a pot of beef and barley soup simmering, or gathering together to have bread dough pancakes, she always seemed to have something warm and comforting! These memories remind me that food is so much more than what’s on your plate, and is about who is at the table and the value of food in connection.
How do you see young people helping to influence food systems today?
Young people play such an important role in shaping our food systems and I see that influence continuing to grow in meaningful ways. At Nourish, we are consistently working and interacting with young people who are bringing incredible perspectives, creativity, and a strong sense of urgency around issues like sustainability, equity, and access to nutritious foods.
Young people have real power and influence, through the choices they make, the conversations they start, and in the communities they are building with each other. They are not only participating in food systems, but are actively reshaping them in ways that reflect their values.
It’s important that young people continue to be supported, encouraged, and given space to share their voices, because their ideas and leadership are key to creating more just sustainable food systems in our province and beyond.
What was your biggest take-away from your time at Nourish Nova Scotia?
As I’m getting to ready to move onto a new chapter, there are so many important take-aways I will carry with me. But I think my biggest takeaway is the power of food as a tool for connection, learning, and community change. I’m leaving with a deep appreciation for just how meaningful this work is, and the impact it has on youth in building confidence, skills, and a stronger sense of belonging.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that with the right team, so many things are possible! When people are supported, collaborative, and working toward a shared purpose, the impact you can create together is far greater than what any one person could do alone!