FOOD the nourishment of life
Food is a necessity for survival. Food provides the energy and nutrients we need to be healthy and active. For our First Peoples in Canada, access to healthy and affordable food is not the reality and is a major concern contributing to a health crisis. For many remote communities, food insecurity is many times higher than the Canadian national average (taken for granted by most Canadians) True North Aid seeks to do what we can to help provide and explore ways to promote and support food sustainability initiatives so Indigenous communities in Canada can thrive.
From Bag to Bannock – Flour Project 2020 Flour is an essential staple food for those living in northern communities in Canada. From baking bread to thickening sauces and so much more, flour is an important resource for families. With the COVID-19 pandemic, flour has become difficult to access for those living in remote communities due to the high cost of food,… Continue Reading- TURNOR LAKE/BIRCH NARROWS COMMUNITY FOOD CENTRE TURNOR LAKE/BIRCH NARROWS COMMUNITY FOOD CENTRE True North Aid plans to provide assistance to the Turnor Lake/Birch Narrows Saskatchewan Community Food Centre currently being established. We would like to help provide the appliances and other equipment necessary to make this centre operational. We are also looking for funding to stock the cupboards with much needed… Continue Reading
- FOOD FOR LALOCHE SK PROJECT COMPLETE On behalf of the town of La Loche and Clearwater First Nation we are very grateful for the beautiful gift of food (8000+ lbs) delivered to the community just before Christmas. It was very much needed and we thank True North Aid for the compassion that was demonstrated - Norman McCallum. Special thanks… Continue Reading
- RELAY FOR HUNGER – FOOD FOR NORTHERN CANADA PROJECT COMPLETE True North Aid was able to provide the funds needed to transport 1.5 tons of food supply held in Thunder Bay since the spring to Fort Albany & Kash, ON to support their local food bank. This project is in partnership with Relay For Hunger. Supplies include one pallet of Mini Wheats (252… Continue Reading
A look at food prices paid by some first nations’ peoples
Food & Water are major concerns for isolated Indigenous communities in Canada. This isolation drives up food prices – here are some of the prices in 2017 at the Arctic Bay, Nunavut’s grocery store… This drives up the price of food.
- $16.79 for a 1 litre bottle of Heinz Ketchup (reg. price $4.79 in southern Ontario)
- $4.45 for a small can of Campbell’s Soup (>reg. price $0.99)
- $34 for a 4 litre jug of Sunny D Orange Juice (reg. price $3.99)
As you can see, food in the north is very expensive even though some have government subsidy to help. Most families living on social assistance ($400-$600 a month) cannot afford enough food to feed their families. Many elementary schools have food banks that allow children to take food home with them.
Traditional food of hunter-gatherers
Isolated first nations peoples have a hard time understanding the importance of a healthy diet. Many of them live off the land during summer and suffer in isolation during long dark months of winter. They are able to live off the land during the summer months, (many still do) hunting and trapping. However, this has some negative repercussions. First nations people living in communities like Attawapiskat live out the long cold dark winters with inadequate housing making life difficult.
Food bank usage among first nations peoples
Indigenous peoples living in Canada in both the north and the south make up 70% of people who use food banks. This is unacceptable. Nationally, 14% of people who use food banks are Indigenous. This is very high, considering that natives represent under 4% of the Canadian population.
Why is this? Causes are generally listed as depression, isolation, lack of job prospects, poverty, etc. We are seeing change as attitudes shift and Indigenous community are given back the right to self-govern and lead their own people. There is much work to be done and we need your help!