About tHE Inuit CHILD FIRST INITIATIVE GROCERY SUPPORTS EVALUATION (2023-Present):
The Inuit Child First Initiative (ICFI) is funded by the Government of Canada and intended to ensure that Inuit children can access the supports they need to thrive. ICFI parallels Jordan’s Principle, which is for First Nations children, “on an interim basis, until a longer-term Inuit-specific approach can be developed.” ICFI has grown rapidly in Nunavut, increasing from 402 approved requests for services/supports in 2019-20 to 6,258 approved requests, funding 23,5777 products and services in 2022-23. In 2022-23, 47% of all approved requests were for economic supports; key among these supports is the provision of 6-months of grocery supports (Indigenous Services Canada [ISC], 2023). This evaluation of ICFI grocery supports is being designed and conducted in partnership with Qupanuaq, an ICFI funded program, operated by the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation that connects Inuit children and families in the Qikiqtaaluk region with a broad range of ICFI funded interventions, including grocery supports and other interventions to address child malnutrition and food insecurity.
Research Team: Vandna Sinha, University of Colorado, Boulder, School of Education | Sindu Govindapillai, Arctic Children and Youth Foundation | Mohammed Khan, University of Manitoba, Faculty of Social Work | Jessica Penney, University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health | Josée Lavoie, University of Manitoba, Ongomiizwin Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing |
Advisory Committee: Karen Beddard, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated | Rachel Blais, Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre | Adam Arreak Lightstone, Legislative Assembly | Jesse Mike, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated | Emesong Njabnjem, Department of Child and Family Services | Arielle Stockdale, Department of Education |