Volunteer Spotlight: Ben Lemphers

April is Volunteer Month, a time when we recognize amazing volunteers for their contributions to Nourish! Today we are spotlighting Board Member Ben Lemphers to find out more about his passion for food work and connection to Nourish.

Tell us about yourself!

I’m a Community Food Coordinator at Ecology Action Centre. I studied urban planning and my background is in community development. I’m passionate about building communities where all people can thrive. I live in Dartmouth with my wife, Rhoda, and 3-year-old daughter Phoebe. I recently joined the Nourish Board in October 2022.

What drew you to get involved with Nourish NS?

Through my role at EAC, I work with the steering committee for the Nova Scotia chapter of the Coalition for Healthy School Food, so I came to know Nourish through school food advocacy. I work closely with Lindsay Corbin and others to mobilize political advocacy efforts in Nova Scotia for a healthy universal school food program.

Why are you passionate about school food?

School food programming has the potential to be a catalyst for change around many issues our communities are struggling with: including social justice and equity, reconciliation, health and educational outcomes, localizing our food system, supporting local farmers.

If you could wave a magic wand and have your dream come true, what would your wish be for the food landscape in Nova Scotia?

Some form of universal basic income, because income is the root cause of food insecurity. But also political leadership that understands that investment in our local food system – including school food – is investment in our people and our communities.

What is a fun fact about you that not many people know?

I worked as a photojournalist for 5 years.