Iqaluit curry lunch to raise money for better school nutrition

With this image on its poster, the Food First Foundation is promoting a March 28 curry fundraiser in Iqaluit at the Francophone association hall.

If you want to support better nutrition in schools, then head to the Association des Francophones du Nunavut Hall in Iqaluit March 28 for a special curry lunch.

Chef brothers Jeremy and Ken Flatt will prepare a lunch of curry, usually a dish of meat and vegetables cooked in Indian-style spices and sauce.

The lunch will raise money for the Food First Foundation, which, among other things, assists breakfast programs.

The foundation, run out of Yellowknife, aims to support nutrition education programs in schools with the goal of encouraging “a healthy population of children and youth for future generations.”

Operating from the Northwest Territories, in 2012 the organization decided to see what they could do in Nunavut and elected a board member, Franco Buscemi, in Iqaluit.

The chefs promise to bring “joy to the hearts and curry to the bellies” of people in Iqaluit.

The two worked together for years making British-style Indian curry in London.

Then three years ago, Jeremy Flatt moved to Yellowknife. His brother is accompanying him on a mission to “currify” Iqaluit.

“As soon as you walk in the door, you will be transported to exotic places by the amazing aromas,” the foundation’s website said.

The tentative menu for March 28 includes: chicken korma, which is a mixture of curry spices, but is usually mild and creamy, chickpea saag, which refers to chickpeas and green leafy vegetables such as spinach used in the sauce, potatoes and rice and spicy Chai tea.

There will be two sittings: at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

People who donate can choose where they want to see their money spent, the NWT, Nunavut or even a specific region, town or school.

The problems associated with nutrition are so large that even communities doing relatively well still need help, the foundation website said.

“Children are too often overfed and undernourished,” it said.

Nearly 70 per cent of northern students do not consume enough fruits and vegetables for proper health and many do not reach the daily dairy servings recommended by the Canada Food Guide.

This puts the kids at risk for cancers, diabetes, osteoporosis and other chronic diseases, the website said.

And inadequate nutrition also leads to poor concentration, classroom behavioural issues, higher absenteeism, low self-esteem and reduced academic success.

Healthy food provides the nutrients children need to be attentive and enthusiastic in school, increasing their ability to concentrate, learn and develop into outstanding adults, the website said.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Contact Franco Buscemi at (867) 222-2477 for advance tickets.