Food is more than fuel—it’s culture, connection, and community. But for many Indigenous communities across Canada, especially in remote and northern regions, accessing healthy, affordable food remains a daily challenge. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is working with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to change that.
Many Indigenous communities face higher rates of food insecurity due to:
- Geographic isolation and high food transportation costs
- Limited access to fresh, nutritious foods
- The impacts of climate change on traditional food sources
- Socio-economic barriers and systemic inequities
In some northern communities, the cost of groceries can be 2 to 3 times higher than in southern Canada. For example, a bag of apples that costs $5 in Toronto might cost over $15 in Nunavut.
ISC supports a range of programs that promote food security and healthy living, including:
- Nutrition North Canada: A subsidy program that helps reduce the cost of perishable, nutritious food in isolated northern communities.
- Nutrition Education Initiatives: Community based programs that teach food skills, promote traditional food knowledge, and support healthy eating habits.
- Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative: Focuses on preventing and managing type 2 diabetes through culturally relevant nutrition and physical activity programs.
These programs are designed to be community led, recognizing that Indigenous Peoples are best positioned to define their own food systems and health priorities.
Improving food security isn’t just about nutrition, it’s about:
- Supporting mental and physical health
- Preserving traditional knowledge and food practices
- Strengthening community resilience and self-determination
In the U.S., similar efforts are underway through programs like the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) and the Tribal Nutrition Assistance Program, which aim to address food access and cultural food sovereignty.
Food security is a human right. By supporting Indigenous led solutions, we can help ensure that every community has access to the nourishment they need to thrive physically, culturally, and spiritually.
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