Tackling food security issues in Northern Communities: The Manitoba Experience

December 4, 2023 | Prairie Manufacturer
Supply Chain Manitoba, in collaboration with Winnipeg Airports Authority, is embarking on a vital project addressing the urgent issue of food insecurity in Northern Indigenous Communities in Manitoba. Supply Chain Manitoba operates under the transportation and distribution sector council of the Manitoba Government and is leading the charge to combat this pressing challenge.
Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) exists to connect communities. As a Canadian air cargo hub, WAA takes this responsibility seriously and is excited to work with Northern communities to find solutions to the food security challenges in the North.
Definition of Food Security:
Food security, as defined by the 1996 World Food Summit, encompasses four key dimensions:
1. Physical Availability of Food: This pertains to the supply side of food security and is influenced by factors such as food production, stock levels, and net trade.
2. Economic and Physical Access to Food: Having a sufficient food supply at the national or international level does not guarantee food security at the household level. Concerns about access to food have led to a policy focus on income, expenditure, markets, and prices to achieve food security objectives.
3. Food Utilization: This dimension involves how the body optimally utilizes nutrients from food. It depends on factors like care and feeding practices, food preparation, diet diversity, and food distribution within households. Effective biological utilization of consumed food determines an individual’s nutritional status.
4. Stability of the Other Three Dimensions Over Time: Food security requires the sustained fulfillment of these dimensions. Even if individuals have sufficient food today, they can be considered food insecure if they face periodic obstacles in accessing food, potentially affecting their nutritional well-being. Factors like adverse weather, political instability, or economic challenges, including unemployment and rising food prices, can influence an individual’s food security status.
To achieve food security objectives, all four dimensions must be addressed simultaneously.
The challenge
Residents of remote Northern communities in Canada face a dire food insecurity crisis, with rates 10 times higher than the Canadian national average.
The cost of food in these remote communities is excessively high, with prices for basic items like fresh fruits and vegetables significantly exceeding urban prices. As a result, a substantial portion of the residents’ incomes goes towards low-quality and unhealthy food.
Reports have shown that food insecure people are more likely to live with chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and asthma, and they are more susceptible to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. These negative health outcomes underscore the urgency of addressing food security in remote Northern communities.

Solutions on the horizon
Recognizing the complexity of this issue, Supply Chain Manitoba and Winnipeg Airports Authority are adopting a multifaceted approach. Community-based food action stands as a vital strategy to combat food insecurity, complementing business activities, government programs, and comprehensive social policies. These multifaceted efforts are integral to addressing the root causes of food insecurity and creating sustainable, long-term solutions.
Moreover, the Manitoba government has pledged a significant investment of $1.3 million to strengthen food security in the province’s north. This funding will support the Northern Healthy Foods Initiative (NHFI), which partners on food security projects and assists community-led initiatives.
The NHFI works to increase food security in northern Manitoba by supporting local and regional projects, with priorities including partnerships and community-led efforts. They work with government departments and community organizations to reduce food prices through subsidies and increase Indigenous participation in providing goods and services to the government.
The heart of the matter
At the core of this project is the ambition to raise awareness about the food security crisis and encourage industry leaders to actively participate and take practical steps towards alleviating this urgent issue. By highlighting the severity of the problem and involving key stakeholders, the project seeks to drive real change and improve the quality of life for the residents of remote Northern communities.
This collaborative endeavour between Supply Chain Manitoba and Winnipeg Airports Authority represents a significant step toward a more food-secure future for remoted Northern communities. The convergence of public and private sectors, with government support, highlights the commitment to making tangible, sustainable improvements in the lives of those affected by food insecurity. Through shared knowledge and collective efforts, we can hope to create a brighter, more secure future for all members of these communities.
Join us
We firmly believe that together, we can create a lasting impact and bring positive change to the lives of those in need. We invite you to join us in making a difference by addressing this pressing issue.
For more information, contact Supply Chain Manitoba on 204.231.0965 or Winnipeg Airports Authority on 204.987.7837.