Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) is calling for a coordinated school food program that would provide Indigenous students across Inuit Nunangat with nourishment. The call stems from a report co-developed by ITK, Inuit partners, and the federal government that found that students in the region would benefit from a coordinated school food program. ITK is requesting $1.66B to implement and sustain the program over the next 15 years, and noted the importance of long-term investments in human resources and infrastructure. The program would be run in 75 schools across 51 communities, with students provided a breakfast and lunch prepared from healthy, locally sourced foods. It would be grounded in Inuit culture and flexible to the needs of regions and communities. “Food security has a major impact on our ability to live a safe, healthy, and prosperous life,” said ITK President Natan Obed. “Ensuring Inuit children have enough to eat will help enhance their educational experience, mental wellness, connection to Inuit culture and overall security.”
Indigenous Top Ten News