Inuit are one of the most food insecure populations in Canada and experience inequitable access to healthy, nutritious and culturally preferred food compared to other populations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this situation and put additional pressure on Inuit households.
The need for food security relief measures remains as vital as ever.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, along with Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, announced that the Government of Canada is providing $8 million in funding to help the four Inuit Land Claim Organizations: Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Makivik Corporation, Nunatsiavut Government and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation – address food insecurity in Inuit Nunangat.
This critical funding will go towards food security relief programs to ensure communities and households receive the food they need when they need it.
It will also be used to support Inuit-led COVID-19 food security relief initiatives, including virtual nutrition education programs, food voucher programs, meal delivery programs, breakfast programs and community harvesters’ programs.
The Government of Canada will continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and organizations, and other partners to identify and respond to the unique needs that Indigenous Peoples face as the pandemic continues to unfold.