Staff Spotlight: Meet Lia

Lia started working at Nourish Nova Scotia in March 2024 as Communications Coordinator. She loves farmers’ markets, sunshine, and exploring new cultures and cuisines while traveling. Lia is excited to bring her passion for nutrition and health, creative media, and storytelling to Nourish Nova Scotia.

What drew you to get involved with Nourish?  

I always found myself gravitating towards working with people, with community – both adults and youth. With a background in nutrition and vision to empower people to feel confident in their food choices, it felt like an aligned fit to work with an organization aiming to give youth the opportunities and access to explore and learn through food. My role at Nourish Nova Scotia feels incredibly fulfilling getting to share stories of impact and help amplify their mission.  

What is a food story you cherish?   

A core food memory I have is making pizza with my dad and sister. It's not your classic pepperoni, instead it’s a bologna pizza made with the Kraft box pizza kit. We would each take a job of chopping vegetables, making the dough (always dad’s job) and the best part- dipping the bologna in the pizza sauce for a little snack.  

In later years, I’ve tried to recreate it with different ingredients and it’s just not the same. There are just some things that don’t need to be changed, my dad’s bologna pizza is one. 

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

I would love for people to have the access and ability to feel like they can be creative and curious with food. In a dream world all Nova Scotians would be able to associate their food with abundance, accessibility, joy, and connection. 

Is there anything you love to grow or cook?   

I worked for a few years at a scaffolding and shoring equipment company that was owned by an older Italian man. Almost every day at lunch he taught me how to cook an Italian dish (lucky, I know!), and I grew to love the simplicity of Italian food and the joy of sharing a beautiful meal. To this day it’s my favourite cuisine to cook (and eat).