Since the discontinuation of the food voucher program in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, the local food bank has seen a significant rise in demand. Leonard Langan, the food bank coordinator, reports that the number of families seeking assistance has nearly doubled, from 15–17 families a week to 27. The program, previously funded by Indigenous Services Canada under the Inuit Child First Initiative, ended in July after the federal government implemented changes, including new assessment requirements for children and a shift in program administration.
Before the program’s closure, the food bank had a budget of approximately $2,000 every two weeks to provide food, diapers, and feminine hygiene products. They rely on donations from organizations like Food Banks Canada and visiting cruise ships but were already struggling to meet demand. Langan emphasized that the food bank can only provide enough for a day or two, doing what they can to prevent hunger.
Indigenous Services Canada stated that the program changes were meant to improve transparency and efficiency, and while it can supplement families’ incomes for essentials like rent and groceries, it was not intended to replace income assistance or food programs. The department is working on longer-term solutions, acknowledging that short-term measures alone are insufficient. Meanwhile, the food bank continues to serve the community with limited resources, but without a new government program, Langan fears the need for support will keep growing.
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