Baker Lake’s Abluqta Society fed 94 hungry people last month

A social enterprise based in Baker Lake handed out food to 94 people last month, moving the group closer to its goal of setting up a permanent food bank in the community.

The group, called the Abluqta Society, is run by a 10-person board and has been running a thrift shop in Baker Lake since May 2017.

“We aim to offer much-needed services such as recycled clothing and toys for those in need in Baker Lake,” the Abluqta Society said in a news release.

Their long-term goal, however, is to develop a regular food bank “to address the high levels of food insecurity experienced by many families in Baker Lake,” Abluqta said.

In their latest food distribution effort, Abluqta received help from a fund created by the Hamlet of Baker Lake and Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd., as well as from the Public Service Alliance of Canada, who made a cash donation.

“The money was used to feed hungry community members, many who sadly have gone days without eating,” said Joseph Arnasungaaq, the president of the society.

The Abluqta Society’s thrift shop in Baker Lake. (Photo courtesy of Abluqta Society)

And the most recent donations had an impact on 4.5 per cent of Baker Lake’s population of about 2,000 people.

“According to Canada Without Poverty, 70 per cent of Inuit preschoolers live in food insecure households, compared to 20 per cent nation-wide. Two out of five Northern households are food insecure, with Nunavut residents spending twice as much on food as the rest of the country,” the group said.

Abluqta’s thrift shop sells recycled clothing, toys and household goods at reasonable prices.

They also offer work experience opportunities to Inuit who face barriers to employment.

In Baker Lake, the thrift shop is located at QDC 14, the green house next door to the Agnico Eagle guest house. Readers who seek more information about the Abluqta Society can go to their Facebook page.