On July 8th QCFC launched "How to run a country food box program: A toolkit based on Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre’s Inuliqtait Food Box program.” It is based on a successful model developed by QCFC. It offers communities practical advice and tips on everything from building a network of hunters, to the safe handling and processing of meat, to templates for finances and tracking orders.
The Inuliqtait Food Box program began in 2022 but has quickly expanded to include a network of partners and over 50 hunters that allow us to distribute about 400 kg of meat each week. Since its inception, people from communities across Inuit Nunangat have been reaching out to ask about the program and seek advice on starting their own country food program.
This is a guide for anyone who is interested in setting up a country food program that supports local hunters and provides a consistent supply of affordable country food. Our program has provided a steady income to Inuit hunters, and its pay-what-you-can model ensures low-barrier accessibility to the program.
“A really important component is still giving people choice. Giving people that opportunity for choice feeds back into the components of dignity, respect, autonomy, the things that Qajuqturvik stands for,” Rachel Blais, Co-Executive Director of QCFC says.
“This toolkit signifies the importance of reclaiming our culture through nutritious, healthy foods from our land and seas,” Co-Executive Director Francine Doucet says. “Inuksiut [meat harvested on the land] is an integral part of who we are as Inuit, and to be able to provide that at affordable prices for all to enjoy is paramount to our work toward food sovereignty at QCFC.”
Click here for the English Inuliqtait Food Box program toolkit.
Click here for the Inuktitut Inuliqtait Food Box program toolkit.
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