News 2 July 2020 – 9:30 am EDT

Iqaluit city council allocates COVID-19 food security funds

$80,000 will go to four local organizations

Iqaluit city council approved the dispersal of $80,000 in funding to four local organizations to help address food security issues that have arisen or worsened as a result of the pandemic. (File photo)

By Dustin Patar

Iqaluit city councillors have approved the allocation of $80,000 to four local organizations helping with food security issues that have arisen or worsened as a result of COVID-19.

The following organizations will each receive $20,000:

The Tukisigiarvik Society, which operates a drop-in centre for disadvantaged residents
The City of Iqaluit’s recreation department, which runs the elders’ food program
The Arctic Children and Youth Foundation, which runs the children’s food bank and city-wide breakfast program
The Uquutaq Society, which operates and manages the men’s homeless shelters

The funds are part of a larger $200,000 commitment to the City of Iqaluit made through a partnership between the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., which was announced in April.

In May, the city released a call for proposals from registered non-profit organizations for projects costing up to $20,000.

The remaining $120,000 is available to organizations that are in good standing with the city, with preference given to projects that focus on a balanced approach to nutrition.