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NORTHERN FOOD INSECURITY

Food insecurity is
at crisis levels in many
northern communities.

Poverty, along with a lack of access to logistics, proper infrastructure, and transportation has resulted in many Canadians living in northern and remote communities to experience disproportionate levels of food insecurity. We recognize the need is urgent and that the time for change is now.

Northern snapshot

While the food insecurity rate across the country lies at 12.7%, in Nunavut, that number is 57%—more than quadruple the national average. It is a complex and critical issue that requires a very specific set of solutions. Which is why Food Banks Canada continues to recommend greater focus and attention by governments when it comes to addressing the high levels of food insecurity in Canada’s north.

21.7%
of households in the Northwest Territories experience food insecurity
of NWT
1 in 4 Nunavut households report being in a state of severe food insecurity
MORE THAN HALF
of female-led, single-parent households in Nunavut are severely food-insecure1.
of female-led, single-parent households in Nunavut are severely food-insecure1.
17%
of households in the Yukon experience food insecurity
of Yukon
2x
In Iqaluit, the cost to feed a family of four would be $1,721.56; while in Ottawa it would cost $868—almost double the amount2.
food costs
1%
The average cost of the Revised Northern Food Basket in March 2018 was only 1% lower than in March 2011, prior to the launch of the Nutrition North program.
LOWER
NORTHERN FOOD SECURITY: WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO MAKE REAL PROGRESS

Advocating for change in northern communities

Through our ongoing policy recommendations, Food Banks Canada remains diligent in addressing the disproportionate food security challenges being faced by people in the north.

VIEW OUR LATEST POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

Relieving hunger along the ice roads

Amid growing calls for food bank services in northern communities, Food Banks Canada hit the ice roads with Harvest Manitoba and the Regional Food Distribution Association in Thunder Bay in 2022 on a mission to improve northern food security.

Together, we drove more than 3,000 kilometres along the longest seasonal ice road in the world—the Wapusk Trail—to deliver thousands of pounds of food in two remote First Nations only accessible to vehicles for six weeks of the year.

1Source: Statistics Canada 

2The cost to feed a family of four in March of 2018 — source: https://www.nutritionnorthcanada.gc.ca/eng/1548078467819/1548078497301