Fresh fruits, veggies coming to 12 communities

Nishnawbe Aski Nation has partnered with Quality Market, True North Community Cooperative and Wasaya Airways to bring fresh food to 12 NAN communities.
“Access to affordable, nutritious foods for families living on fixed incomes has been lost over the years and has resulted in high rates of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease among First Nations in northern Ontario, including youth,” said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy.
“Wholesome foods such as fresh fruits and veggies play an essential role in healthy development of our young people. There must be proper framework in place for a food distribution system that can be implemented and used to provide affordable, nutritious foods for families living in NAN First Nations.”
The food is being delivered Feb. 19-24 by air and road to Deer Lake, Kashechewan, Neskantaga, North Caribou Lake, Mishkeegogamang, Moose Cree, Muskrat Dam, Sandy Lake, Wahgoshig, Wapekeka, Poplar Hill, and Keewaywin.
NAN has been involved in ongoing discussions with local producers and retailers to find creative ways to get fresh, affordable, organic, and nutritious foods into its communities since hosting a Food Symposium in November 2009.
“The goal of this initiative is to provide healthy alternative food choices that are cost effective and reduce the consumption of processed, chemical laden, high fat foods that are normally available at low cost in communities,” said Wendy Trylinski, NAN community program manager.
The food boxes include locally produced whole wheat/rye flour, barley pancake mix, bran muffin mix, whole wheat pizza dough, oats, natural cheese, local honey, herbal teas, and local naturally-raised beef along with fruits, vegetables, rice and beans.
Information on the farmer, where some of the foods were produced and healthy low-fat recipes are also being included in the food boxes.