The Government of Canada announced Friday an investment of $1.1 million to improve food security for Nunavut residents during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thirty organizations across Nunavut are benefitting from the aid, including municipalities, food banks and schools.
"Organizations will be able to use funds to buy and distribute food, hire temporary help to fill volunteer shortages, and implement biosecurity measures such as personal protective equipment to reduce the spread of Covid-19 among volunteers and clients," states a news release from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
The money comes from the $100-million emergency fund for food security announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in April. Among the recipients of that emergency fund are the Hamlet of Kinngait, Iqaluit City-wide breakfast in a Bag Program, Qajuqturvik CFC, Niqinik Nuatsivik Nunavut Food Bank, YWCA Agvik Nunavut, Umimmak School, Hamlet of Sanirajak , Hamlet of Igloolik, Igloolik Health Centre, Hamlet of Pond Inlet, Hamlet of Resolute Bay, Municipality of Sanikiluaq, Municipality of Cambridge Bay, Hamlet Kugluktuk, Hamlet of Taloyoak, Hamlet of Gjoa Haven, Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School, Sakku school, Hamlet of Coral Harbour, Hamlet of Arviat, John Arnalukjuak High School, Nunavut Literacy Council, Municipality of Rankin Inlet, Ikurraq, Clyde River Food Bank, Hamlet of Kugaaruk, Hamlet of Pangnirtung, Municipality of Qikiqtarjuaq, and Nunavut Literacy Council – Ilitaqsiniq.
“Since the onset of the pandemic we’ve been working in collaboration with the Government of Nunavut, Indigenous partners and community stakeholders to ensure Northern families have access to more affordable and nutritious food," said Northern Affairs Minister Daniel Vandal. "We understand that Northern and remote communities deal with unique challenges when it comes to food security and the Emergency Fund is playing an important role in helping to improve the health and wellbeing of families. The funds announced today will support organizations across Nunavut on the front-line of delivering critical services to those in need.”