Uncovering food insecurity drivers in northern Canada.

Undergraduate student Eden Zandstra’s dissertation project investigated the environmental and socioeconomic drivers and consequences of food insecurity in Nunavut, northern Canada.

Ms Zandstra’s work aims to shed light on the unique challenges faced by this remote northern region, with a particular focus on food sovereignty, intergenerational equity and the role of Nutrition Northern Canada (NNC), a government-funded food subsidy programme.

With the highest rates of food insecurity in any developed country, Nunavut stands in stark contrast to Canada's overall image of food security.

Findings indicate that the region's isolation and the profound impacts of colonisation, which disrupted traditional foodways and cultural practices, further compound these issues.

This work highlights the importance of addressing food insecurity issues through a holistic and culturally informed lens, ensuring that initiatives not only alleviate hunger but also support the social wellbeing of local communities.

Cultural challenges

Ms Zandstra’s interest in food security led her to explore the stark realities of food insecurity in northern Canada.

Nunavut presents a unique case study due to its remote geography, high cost of living and significant Inuit population.

“I’m originally from Vancouver, Canada. My curiosity about parts of my country that are often overlooked drove me to research the high levels of food insecurity in Nunavut, particularly among the Inuit population.” – Ms Zandstra explains – “the complexities of cultural and traditional food practices in this region became the focal points of my research”.

Food insecurity

Her findings reveal that environmental and climate changes have severely impacted food availability and traditional hunting practices, exacerbating food insecurity.

The effects of colonisation, including the loss of traditional food knowledge and the disruption caused by residential schools and forced cultural assimilation, have further contributed to this issue.

Despite these challenges, there is a strong desire among communities to revive and sustain traditional foodways, which are seen as essential for preserving cultural identity and achieving food sovereignty.

Mixed methods

This project aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Nutrition North Canada (NNC) subsidy programme and explore broader themes related to food insecurity through a mix of interviews and data analysis.

The student conducted semi-structured interviews with six academic experts, focusing on various drivers of food insecurity identified through a literature review.

Using specialised software, Ms Zandstra then identified key themes such as environment, colonisation, globalisation, infrastructure, health and cost of living.

Subsidy data from the NNC was then analysed to understand the distribution and impact of food subsidies across different communities.

Food subsidy

Data analysis of the NNC programme revealed mixed results. While the programme aims to reduce food costs in remote northern communities, it primarily subsidises market foods rather than traditional or locally sourced foods.

“This limitation highlights a gap in the programme's ability to support food sovereignty and cultural food practices”, Ms Zandstra says.

Taking steps to enhance the support for traditional foods through subsidies for locally sourced options, increase Inuit community involvement in decision-making, and prioritise cultural revitalisation efforts could sustain traditional foodways while strengthening cultural identity and promoting equity, the student suggests.