DATE ISSUED: May 26, 2021
EVENT: Food Voucher Distribution

QIA and Ayaya are working together to distribute food vouchers to assist with food security during the COVID-19 outbreak in Iqaluit. Vouchers will be distributed to all Inuit in Iqaluit that are 16+ as of June 30, 2021. Inuit will receive food vouchers for $275.00, to spend on groceries, $137.50 for Ventures Marketplace and $137.50 at Northmart. The first distribution period will be from May 31-June 4^thand the second will follow in a few weeks time. More details on the second distribution will come at a later date. Funding for these vouchers comes from Indigenous Services Canada and CIRNAC specifically for Emergency relief in the outbreak communities as well as a top up from Arctic Co-op and the Northwest Company.

Keeping CPHO safety protocols at top of mind, there will be two ways for Inuit to collect food vouchers. We will hold in person distribution at the Curling Hall and Abe Okpik Hall, and will also provide no contact delivery.

For in person distribution the city will be split into four equal zones in accordance with the constituency map: Manirajak, Tasiluk, Sinaa and Niaqunnguu including Apex. This distribution will reduce the amount of people in one place at one time and help avoid congregation. In the hall there will be strict social distancing, security for adherence to distancing, clearly marked traffic direction and PPE (including disposable masks). Inuit are asked to bring a piece of ID when picking up vouchers in person. If picking up vouchers for other household/family members you must have ID of the eligible individual you are picking it up for. If an individual does not have ID they must come in person or call for no contact delivery.

For no contact delivery, individuals should call 867.979.1484 and provide a house number and number of eligible individuals in the household that you will be collecting for. We ask that all individuals remain patient if there is a high volume of messages, it may take a couple days for delivery of vouchers. If any persons are in isolation for COVID-19 they can also call the number provided for a no contact delivery.

Distribution Schedule (9:00am-5:00pm closed 12-1)

Curling Hall
Monday, May 31^st – Sinaa
Tuesday, June 1^st – Manirajak
Wednesday, June 2^nd– Tasiluk
Thursday, June 3^rd – Niaqunnguu
Friday, June 4^th – All zones

Abe Okpik Hall
Tuesday, June 1^st – Apex

For more information please contact:
Nadia Ciccone, Managing Director
Ayaya Marketing and Communications
nadiac@ayaya.ca
867.222.1484