On August 18th, our New Glasgow auditorium was filled with community members who came out to support Square Roots’ first market in Pictou County. This student-led initiative, originally based in Halifax, aims to provide affordable, healthy produce to local communities while supporting farmers by purchasing their surplus “seconds”—produce that’s perfectly edible but doesn’t meet retail standards.
A Community Effort in Pictou County
IGNITE was proud to offer our space and support to help make this event a reality. Maya Campbell, one of our interns at IGNITE and a co-manager of Square Roots, played a key role in leading the expansion into Pictou County. Her efforts, along with those of her team, ensured that the market was well-received by the community.
The turnout was better than expected, with many locals coming out to purchase fresh, local produce at prices as low as $1 per pound. Items like carrots, cucumbers, kale, and mini tomatoes were available, making healthy eating more accessible for everyone. For those who found even these reduced prices challenging, produce was provided at no cost, reflecting the market’s commitment to inclusivity.
After the market, any leftover produce was donated to Viola’s Place, a local homeless shelter, ensuring that nothing went to waste and further supporting the community.
IGNITE’s Role in Supporting Rural Initiatives
At IGNITE, our goal is to support initiatives that bring positive change to rural Nova Scotia. By offering our space and resources to Square Roots, we’re helping to address food insecurity in our local area. This event highlights the power of community collaboration and the impact that even small initiatives can have in making a difference.
Looking ahead, we’re eager to see how Square Roots will continue to grow in Pictou County and beyond, and we remain committed to supporting efforts that strengthen our rural communities. The next sale date will take place on September 8th (see poster below). For more details about this event and Square Roots’ mission, you can read the full article here.
