Whitehorse – The Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition (YAPC) is pleased to release a final report highlighting the cost and availability of nutritious food in communities throughout Yukon. Community researchers in Carcross, Carmacks, Dawson City, Faro, Haines Junction, Mayo, Old Crow, Pelly Crossing, Ross River, Teslin, Watson Lake and Whitehorse measured the cost of 67 foods included in the Revised Northern Food Basket in June 2017 to help estimate the costs of a basic, healthy diet for Yukon residents.
“This information helps us to better understand the cost of healthy eating across the territory and the difference that exists between communities,” says Kristina Craig, Executive Director of the YAPC. “Ultimately, we need good data to make good policy decisions to address issues related to affordability and food insecurity. This study – a snapshot in time - helps fill some gaps in information.”
Food insecurity, a condition that exists within a household when one or more members do not have access to adequate food due to a lack of money, remains a troubling issue in Yukon. In 2012, 19.7% of Yukon households with children experienced some degree of food insecurity. Experiences of food insecurity range in severity from worrying about running out of food to children not eating for an entire day.
“Throughout the project, community researchers shared their wisdom and knowledge regarding the role of the traditional food system and informal food sharing networks,” says Kendall Hammond, lead researcher. “Given the wide range of food costs across the territory, with Old Crow’s food basket costing twice as much as one in Whitehorse, we hope this information can lead to policies that reflect the reality of living in rural Yukon.”
YAPC is grateful for the contribution and participation of community researchers and retailers as well as financial support from Yukon Government and the Canadian Home Economics Foundation. Thanks are also extended to members of the Information and Advisory Committee made up of representatives from the Arctic Institute of Community Based Research and staff from YG Department of Health and Social Services.