“I think about who my grandmother invited to dinner... everybody who was hungry, even if she didn’t know them. That’s the only answer that she would let me share. You feed who’s hungry.”

—Jess Housty (Cúagilákv), Knowledge Holder

Access to nutritious, affordable food remains a daily struggle for many Indigenous communities, especially in remote and northern regions. High costs, limited infrastructure, and disrupted traditional food systems often lead to food insecurity and poor health outcomes. True North Aid is committed to supporting food sovereignty initiatives that promote sustainable, culturally relevant food systems and restore the right to nourish families and communities with dignity and resilience.

Food

Food insecurity in remote, Indigenous communities remains several times higher than in more urban areas in Canada. Food insecurity is a common barrier for families to provide healthy meal options. True North Aid is proud to support sustainable food programs across the north, including providing families access to traditional and cultural food.

Supporting Food

Currently, True North Aid is supporting food sovereignty through programs such as From Bag to Bannock, the Ebb & Flow Food Bank, Siksika Chicken Program, Community Nutrition in Wuskwi Siphik and the Healthy Eating Programs.

Key Findings: Food Insecurity in Indigenous Populations

Food Insecurity

  • In 2022, 31% of Indigenous families living above the poverty line experienced food insecurity, more than twice the rate of non-Indigenous families (15%). This highlights ongoing inequities that persist beyond income levels.
  • Approximately 40% of Indigenous children aged 1 to 14 (excluding those living on reserve) lived in households that faced some degree of food insecurity within the past year. Of these, 14% lived in conditions of severe food insecurity, where families reported skipping meals, eating less than needed, and in the most extreme cases, going entire days without food.
  • Food insecurity remains a significant issue among Inuit populations, particularly in Inuit Nunangat, where access to food is limited by high costs, geographic isolation, and the impacts of climate change. In 2022, over 77% of Inuit children in this region lived in households experiencing food insecurity

Northern Communities are at Greater Risk

  • Indigenous households in remote or northern regions often face higher food costs, limited transportation, and reduced access to fresh food, making them especially vulnerable.
  • Nearly half of First Nations households living on reserve experience food insecurity, a rate significantly higher than that of non-Indigenous households in Canada.

Nutrition Insufficiency

  • Many Indigenous adults have nutritionally inadequate diets, The cost of nutritious food in Indigenous communities is significantly higher than in urban areas, making it unaffordable for many families.

Traditional Food Systems

  • Food insecurity among Indigenous peoples is deeply rooted in the legacy of settler colonialism. Colonial policies and practices aimed at erasing Indigenous identities have disrupted traditional food systems by destroying animals, lands, waters, and undermining Indigenous food knowledge and sovereignty. These actions have not only altered Indigenous diets but also restricted access to traditional foods. The imposed reliance on expensive, low-quality market foods has further contributed to the erosion of cultural food practices and community health.

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples - Article 21

Indigenous peoples have the right, without discrimination, to the improvement of their economic and social conditions, including, interalia, in the areas of education, employment, vocational training and retraining, housing, sanitation, health and social securityperforming arts and literature.

Food Project Highlights

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