Country foods, or traditional foods, make up a significant portion of the diet of many Aboriginal people but are becoming harder and more costly to obtain. Will they be eligible under the new program?
Country foods, or traditional foods, have always been eligible, but have been restricted because they typically do not come from eligible entry point communities. The benefits of eating traditional foods (i.e. arctic char, caribou, muskox) are that they include less fat and sugar than many store-bought foods, as well as many essential nutrients that are needed for good health. Other benefits of traditional foods include physical activity during harvesting, and cultural and spiritual significance. The transportation of commercially-produced country foods (e.g. arctic char, muskox, caribou, etc.) between northern processing/distributing locations and eligible communities within the region will be subsidized under the new Program. Country foods are a vital source of nutrients and consumers will benefit from increased access to these foods at more affordable prices.
