Hundreds of Nova Scotia non-profits and charities that deliver food programs are set to receive a $5.3-million boost from proceeds tied to the province’s sell-off of U.S. alcohol products.

Nova Scotia pulled all U.S. booze from NSLC shelves on March 4 in response to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. The government announced in November that it would sell its remaining U.S. alcohol inventory and direct the net profits to community food organizations.

A news release Wednesday said one-time grants totalling $5.3 million are being distributed to 315 organizations delivering programs that help households experiencing food insecurity.

The province said the fund, which was originally forecast to be roughly $4 million, supports both established organizations and smaller community-based initiatives.

“It helps ensure Nova Scotians can meet their basic needs and live with dignity,” Premier Tim Houston said in the release.

The amounts being distributed range from $1,000 to $350,000.

Here’s the full list of recipients:

Michelle Porter, CEO of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, said she was “floored” to learn her organization was receiving $100,000.

Porter said the funding will help support its nine drop-in centres across the province, and comes just as they are preparing to distribute hot Easter dinners at those locations.

“We’re actually anticipating probably 1,200 people for that big meal, if not more,” Porter said in a phone interview Wednesday.

“In the last 13 months, we’ve opened four new centres. It’s really going to make a big difference for us.”

Souls Harbour now has centres in Halifax, Dartmouth, Lower Sackville, Bridgewater, Truro, Amherst, Sydney Mines, New Waterford and Yarmouth.

Eight of those locations will host Easter dinners Monday from noon to 2 p.m., while Halifax’s dinner is from noon to 3 p.m.

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