We’re on a mission to overcome the financial, educational, and systemic barriers of good food in Nunavut.
Our vision is shaped by the Community Food Centre model pioneered by the national organization to which we belong, Community Food Centres Canada.
Good food in a welcoming environment is key to improving lives and providing other supports.
Navigating our modern food environment with confidence is important not just for healthy living, but for personal empowerment.
We motivate our community around issues that affect them and make their voices heard.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to present Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre’s 2024-25Annual Report. This year Qajuqturvik embarked on new and exciting paths that energized the community and brought even more diverse groups into our centre.
The changes have been especially exciting for me, as I stepped into the President’s role this year. Since I first joined Qajuqturvik as a volunteer for the Daily Meal Service in 2019, the changes to the organization have been remarkable: from a Soup Kitchen serving lunch to a Community Food Centre with a host of programs; from a little-known place in the community toa vibrant hub; and from a staff of mostly southern Canadians serving Inuit clients to a place led and significantly staffed by Inuit.
This year saw an explosion in program offerings that bolstered our food access, food skills, and cultural programming. The biggest and boldest of these was the grand opening of Qinnirvik Country Food and Bulk Store. This project is the culmination of a multi-year effort, thanks to funding from local, national, and international funders. The end result: Iqaluit now has regular access to traditional, nutrient-dense Country Food on a sliding scale pay model.
There also been a host of other new program offerings this year, including monthly chef nights that spotlight local chefs; collaborations with hunters across Nunavut, the Nunavut Black History Society, international academics, the City of Iqaluit, and Alianait Arts Festival; and one-off events like an art installation about country food and demonstrations of seal butchering.
Qajuqturvik has always welcomed every member of our community, including, of course, for our Daily Community Meal Service, which continues to climb to staggering numbers. And while nobody connected with Qajuqturvik ever forgets that our centre serves community members living with the worst food insecurity in the country, more often than not, when I’m in the food centre, I hear laughter and casual conversations.
The nourishing energy that Qajuqturvik injects into our community occurs under the dynamic leadership of our Co-Executive Directors, Joseph and Francine. Their respective passions and visions compliment each other, but they are united in their tireless work ethic and unwavering leadership.
With the rest of Iqaluit, I look forward to seeing what the next year brings for Qajuqturvik.
Jessie Hale Jessie Hale, President, Board of Directors
We improve access to good food by supporting local harvesting, preparation, education, training, and advocacy. Over the years we have provided:
Daily visitors
Meals served annually
Program participants & volunteers
The support we receive from our community has a direct impact on hundreds of Iqalummiut on a daily basis. You can help us in the following ways:
