Estimating Food Capacity in Nova Scotia

Abstract

Given the real possibility of food shortages in Nova Scotia and their potential implications to consumers, it is important we gain a more complete understanding of food capacity in Nova Scotia. This study sought to identify key nodes and supply chains and estimate the food capacity within key nodes. Through directed interviews, this study described some of the strengths and vulnerabilities within the Nova Scotian food system. Approximately 90% of the one billion meals consumed in NS were consumed in households, 9.6% of the meals were consumed in restaurants, 0.33% of these meals were consumed in universities, and 0.28% of these meals were consumed in hospitals which highlights the relative importance of nodes to the average Nova Scotian. Sit-down restaurants held seven days of food capacity, and fast-food restaurants held 14 days of food capacity, where a diverse range in capacity would be expected. Universities held ten days of food capacity. Hospitals held 21 days of food capacity in rural communities and 14 days of food capacity in urban communities. Sysco held seven days of food capacity. Grocery stores hold two days of food capacity. Though Sysco and universities had contingency plans, no other nodes did. Hospitals intentionally stockpiled food in preparation of food shortage events, but no other node did so. Though most supply chains held unexpectedly high food capacity, grocery stores were identified as a vulnerability to NS food security. It would be important for NS decision makers to consider how to make this node better prepared for food shortage events.