Food security in Nunavut, Canada: barriers and recommendations.
OBJECTIVE
The food supply of Inuit living in Nunavut, Canada, is characterized by market food of relatively low nutritional value and nutrient-dense traditional food. The objective of this study is to assess community perceptions about the availability and accessibility of traditional and market foods in Nunavut.


METHODS
A qualitative study using focus group methodology.


METHODS
Focus groups were conducted in 6 communities in Nunavut in 2004 and collected information was analyzed.


RESULTS
Barriers to increased traditional food consumption included high costs of hunting and changes in lifestyle and cultural practices. Participants suggested that food security could be gained through increased economic support for local community hunts, freezers and education programs, as well as better access to cheaper and higher quality market food.


CONCLUSIONS
Interventions to improve the dietary quality of Nunavut residents are discussed.
Chan
Hing Man
HM
Centre for Indigenous Peoples' Nutrition and Environment (CINE), McGill University, Canada. lchan@unbc.ca
Fediuk
Karen
K
Hamilton
Sue
S
Rostas
Laura
L
Caughey
Amy
A
Kuhnlein
Harriet
H
Egeland
Grace
G
Loring
Eric
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001110:Arctic Regions; D002170:Canada; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005523:Food Supply; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D004930:Inuit; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged