Nova Scotia Invests $1.05 Million in Lighthouse Project for Youth Health

On June 16, 2025, the Nova Scotia provincial government announced the awarding of $1.05 million in funding under the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Project, aiming to combat childhood obesity and chronic diseases through innovative community-based initiatives. The three beneficiaries of this funding are Acadia University, Upward Mobility Kitchens East Inc., and Wasoqopa’q First Nation, each of which has proposed unique projects to foster healthier lifestyles among children and youth.

Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, "Reducing childhood obesity and helping young people to establish healthy habits will help reduce the burden on our healthcare system and make a lasting impact on the overall health of our province." This funding is part of a broader strategy to empower communities with the resources needed to promote healthy living and well-being among young people.

The specific allocations include: - **Acadia University** in Wolfville: Awarded **$320,643**, the university will implement a farm-to-school initiative that integrates nutrition education, sustainable agriculture, and mental health support into the curriculum at Northeast Kings Education Centre in Canning. This project aims to address issues of childhood obesity and food insecurity. - **Upward Mobility Kitchens East Inc.**: This organization received **$334,384** to transform The Nook on Halifax’s Gottingen Street into a hub for youth-focused cooking classes and food literacy education. The initiative, named Sharpen Up, is designed to equip youth with essential cooking skills and promote healthier eating habits. - **Wasoqopa’q First Nation**: Awarded **$400,000**, this project will create a space that encourages physical activity and mental resilience through traditional Mi’kmaw teachings. It includes an outdoor structure for food sourcing and preparation, fostering community well-being and cultural identity.

Ninety-seven organizations applied for funding, with nine invited to submit proposals and eight ultimately received. The Nova Scotia Lighthouse Project is a partnership between the province and Novo Nordisk Canada Inc., which aims to identify and tackle barriers contributing to poor health outcomes in the region. This initiative is delivered in collaboration with the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub and Life Sciences Nova Scotia.

Vince Lamanna, President of Novo Nordisk Canada Inc., expressed his commitment to improving health outcomes in Nova Scotia: "At Novo Nordisk Canada, we are committed to engaging as a valuable and dedicated partner in improving the lives of Nova Scotians and fighting childhood obesity. We are proud to partner on this important issue and excited by this first round of funding announcements; these projects have the potential to drive change for a healthier Canada."

Mark Brand, founder of Upward Mobility Kitchens & A Better Life Foundation, highlighted the significance of community engagement in these programs: "Over the past two years, we’ve delivered more than half a million meals to people in need in HRM, and we’re just getting started. After 15 years of building kitchens with purpose and running Sharpen Up in communities from New York to Vancouver, I’ve learned the most powerful thing we can give youth is belief, and the tools to back it up."

The projects funded by the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Project not only aim to improve physical health but also seek to instill confidence and a sense of community among youth. Melanie Robinson-Purdy, Director of Community Enhancement and Cultural Revitalization at Wasoqopa’q First Nation, stated: "When our Mi’kmaw youth are free to move, play and learn in culturally safe spaces, they build strength not only in body but in spirit."

The Nova Scotia Lighthouse Project is rooted in a collaborative framework, inspired by successful models from Denmark, where public and private sectors work together to improve health outcomes. The partnership has committed $1.5 million each from the province and Novo Nordisk Canada, with plans for future calls for proposals.

This funding initiative is seen as an essential step toward addressing the rising rates of childhood obesity and chronic diseases, which have been linked to various social and economic factors. The Nova Scotia government aims to promote a healthier future for its youth through sustained investment in community health initiatives.

As this program progresses, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on the target populations and evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed solutions in fostering healthier lifestyles. The long-term success of the Lighthouse Project could serve as a model for other provinces grappling with similar health challenges.