More Healthy Meals for Kids in Nunavut: A Boost for Food Security and Childhood Development
Iqaluit, NU (February 28, 2025) – Nunavut’s children will soon have greater access to nutritious meals thanks to a significant investment announced today by the territorial government and various federal partners. The initiative, titled “Qanuippitaliit Angiqtauqatigiit” (roughly translated as “Agreement for Healthy Growth”), aims to bolster existing school food programs and expand their reach to more communities across the vast Arctic territory.
The announcement, made during a press conference held at the Nunavut Arctic College campus in Iqaluit, highlighted the pressing need to address food insecurity, particularly among children. Studies have consistently shown that Nunavut faces the highest rates of food insecurity in Canada, with children disproportionately affected. This situation impacts their health, development, and overall well-being.
“Qanuippitaliit Angiqtauqatigiit” is a multi-pronged approach that focuses on several key areas:
- Expanding School Food Programs: The cornerstone of the initiative involves enhancing existing school breakfast and lunch programs in all 25 Nunavut communities. This includes increasing the frequency of meals served, improving the quality and variety of food offered, and catering to specific dietary needs and cultural preferences. The plan prioritizes incorporating traditional Inuit foods, also known as “country food,” such as caribou, arctic char, and seal, into the menu whenever possible. This not only provides essential nutrients but also reinforces cultural connections and supports local hunters and harvesters.
- Investing in Infrastructure: Many schools in Nunavut lack adequate kitchen facilities to prepare healthy meals on-site. The initiative includes funding for the construction and renovation of school kitchens, providing essential equipment and training for kitchen staff to ensure safe and efficient food preparation.
- Community Partnerships: The success of “Qanuippitaliit Angiqtauqatigiit” relies heavily on strong partnerships with local communities, including Elders, hunters and trappers organizations, and parents. These partnerships will ensure that the program is culturally relevant, responsive to local needs, and sustainable in the long term. They will also provide opportunities for community members to participate in food preparation, gardening initiatives, and traditional food harvesting.
- Nutrition Education: Equipping children and families with the knowledge and skills to make healthy food choices is another crucial aspect of the initiative. Nutrition education programs will be implemented in schools and communities, focusing on topics such as healthy eating habits, food preparation, food safety, and the benefits of traditional Inuit foods. These programs will be tailored to different age groups and delivered in Inuktitut and other relevant languages.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: A comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework will be established to track the progress of “Qanuippitaliit Angiqtauqatigiit” and assess its impact on children’s health and well-being. Data will be collected on food intake, nutritional status, school attendance, and academic performance. This information will be used to refine the program and ensure that it is meeting its objectives.
The funding for “Qanuippitaliit Angiqtauqatigiit” comes from a combination of sources, including the Nunavut government, the federal government’s Nutrition North Canada program, and various philanthropic organizations. Specific figures weren’t provided at the press conference but the premier of Nunavut, P.J. Akeeagok, stated that the investment was “significant and demonstrates a firm commitment to ensuring a healthy future for Nunavut’s children.”
“We know that when children have access to nutritious food, they are better able to learn, grow, and thrive,” Akeeagok stated. “Qanuippitaliit Angiqtauqatigiit is a vital step towards addressing food insecurity in our territory and creating a brighter future for our young people.”
Federal Minister of Indigenous Services, Patty Hajdu, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in tackling the complex challenges facing Nunavut. “The federal government is committed to working in partnership with the Nunavut government and Inuit organizations to ensure that all children have access to the healthy food they need to reach their full potential.”
Local community leaders also expressed optimism about the potential impact of the initiative. Martha Kigutak, an Elder from Pond Inlet, stated, “This is a good day for Nunavut. Our children are our future, and we must do everything we can to support them. By providing them with healthy food and teaching them about our traditions, we are investing in a strong and vibrant future for our territory.”
The “Qanuippitaliit Angiqtauqatigiit” initiative is expected to be fully implemented by the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year. It represents a significant step forward in addressing food insecurity and promoting the health and well-being of children in Nunavut, paving the way for a healthier and more prosperous future.
More healthy meals for kids in Nunavut
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