The Country Food Box program, which launched in July at the new Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre (QCFC), is offering a unique way for residents to access traditional foods. The program provides assorted country foods on a “pay what you can” basis, with contributions ranging from $12.50 to $125 per box. Every Thursday, these boxes are distributed across from NorthMart, each containing three to five selections of country food sourced from various hunters across the territory. The QCFC has partnered with Project Nunavut, an organization dedicated to supporting the traditional economy in the region. Project Nunavut, which undertakes both for-profit and nonprofit initiatives, aims to strengthen Nunavut’s traditional economy.

The program’s goal is to expand the network of hunters, fishers, and suppliers throughout Nunavut. A toolkit has been developed for community leaders in the North, including those in government and local organizations. This toolkit provides guidance on setting up a country food program that supports local hunters and ensures a steady supply of traditional foods.

“Today is about the launch of the Inuliqtait Country Food Box Program,” said executive director Joseph Murdoch-Flowers at the July 8 Alianait Festival. The event featured a food market and music from the Wilde Brothers. Murdoch-Flowers explained that the program compiles their knowledge to help others and aims to support food sovereignty by boosting the local economy. He emphasized that food equality and insecurity mainly affect Inuit in Nunavut, whose diet is largely country food.

“We know there’s a demand for country food and irregular access to it,” said Murdoch Flowers. “By building this network, we’re ensuring consistent and reliable access. While there’s a sharing economy, some people in Iqaluit don’t have regular access. This program provides them a way to get it.”

QCFC plans to open a country food store at the center soon. They will also be providing weekly boxes.

Source: NNSL