What is the Inuit Child First Initiative (ICFI)?

The ICFI is a temporary program established in 2018 to provide essential supports and services to Inuit children while a permanent framework is developed.

Why are malnutrition rates increasing in Iqaluit?

Rates are increasing due to factors like the end of community food-support programs, including monthly food vouchers, and the general cost of living crisis.

How does the end of food vouchers affect families in Nunavut?

The cessation of the voucher program has led to increased hunger, with families reporting severe food insecurity and children sometimes needing to eat at other people's homes.

Home / Health / Inuit Children Face Hunger Crisis

Inuit Children Face Hunger Crisis

20 Jan

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Summary

Malnutrition hospitalizations in Iqaluit have doubled between 2022 and 2024.
A vital food voucher program for Nunavummiut ended in March.
Invisible suffering from malnutrition is now widespread, with severe impacts.

A growing malnutrition crisis is affecting Inuit children, with pediatricians in Iqaluit witnessing its daily impact. Hospitalizations related to malnourishment at Qikiqtani General Hospital have risen sharply, doubling from eight in 2022 to 21 in 2024. These figures are believed to underestimate the true scale of the problem.

The ending of the Inuit Child First Initiative's (ICFI) temporary monthly food voucher program in March has exacerbated the crisis. Experts note that individuals are now reporting eating only one meal a day, with many mothers sending their children to eat elsewhere due to a lack of food at home.

Doctors emphasize that the "invisible suffering" of malnutrition is widespread and life-threatening, even if it doesn't always lead to hospital admission. They are urging the territorial government to increase child benefits to combat the cost of living and provide more financial support for families to ensure children have adequate nutrition.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.