The northern communities of Wollaston Lake and Fond Du Lac will see food and subsidy changes as part of the Nutrition North program starting next month.
In changes announced Monday, the federal government will be increasing the subsidy for more healthy foods and essential items targeting frozen fruits and vegetables, milk, infant food and infant formula in an attempt to further reduce the cost.
A 15 cent per kilogram increase will be applied to the highest subsidies and these communities will see their second-tiered subsidy increase to one dollar per kilogram.
Northern retailers will be provided with financial assistance to allow consumers to see the subsidy directly on their point of sales at the checkout. This is intended to allow for greater transparency for retailers. Smaller retailers will also be included.
Starting in April, Ottawa will be introducing a harvester’s support grant program, where community hunters will be compansated to supply traditional foods for the betterment of the community.
The federal government says it consulted widely with First Nations and Indigenous organizations; however Fond Du Lac Chief Louis Mercredi says his First Nation did not take part of these discussions.
(Photo: Price of a bag of onions at the Co-op grocery store in Old Crow Yukon. By Dan Jones)