An Introduction to Nutrition North Canada

Transcription: An Introduction to Nutrition North Canada

In 2011, the Government of Canada launched Nutrition North Canada – a food retail subsidy program for isolated northern communities. Nutrition North replaced the former Food Mail Program, an air transportation subsidy program that was in place for more than 50 years.

This is a program that works exclusively to increase and improve Northerners' access to healthy foods in their community.

Through subsidies provided by the Government of Canada, Northerners benefit from The Nutrition North Canada Program each time they shop at local grocery stores that are registered with the program.

Northerners also have the option of accessing healthy food through direct orders from "registered southern suppliers" for any special dietary needs, for example.

Designed with direct input from northerners, Nutrition North is intended to be dynamic and responsive to the changing nutrition needs of northern food consumers.

7-member Advisory Board has been put in place whose members represent a wide range of northern perspectives and interests. Advisory Board members serve in their own right as volunteers and have the mandate to improve program governance and give northerners a direct voice in the program.

For consumers, country foods can be a key food source. A diet that includes country foods has been associated with lower levels of heart disease and diabetes. They contain less fat and sugar than many store-bought foods and contribute important nutrients for good health. That is why country or traditional foods also receive a subsidy for the consumer when available through local stores or when purchased from processing plants that are registered with the program.

The Nutrition North Canada program requires local food stores to display information for shoppers on Nutrition North. A complete list of eligible foods is also readily available online at nutritionnorthcanada.ca.

The Nutrition North Canada program will continue to evolve based on the recommendations of the Advisory Board and direct input from northerners, food retailers and other stakeholders.

Nutrition North Canada – helping bring healthy food to northern homes.