Iqaluit, Nunavut, January 6, 2022 – The Qikiqtani Inuit Association’s (QIA) initiative to support food security and isolation for COVID-19 affected communities continues with a new food voucher and food hamper program in Pond Inlet. Qikiqtani Inuit living in Pond Inlet are eligible to receive these supports valued at $250 a piece.

“We all must do our part to help contain the spread of COVID-19,” says QIA President Olayuk Akesuk, “These supports are just one way we can ensure our communities are safe and healthy.”

“Our community can flatten the curve,” says Pond Inlet Board Member Katherina Pudluk. “I encourage everyone to follow the public health guidelines and to get their vaccination.”

QIA is delivering the food vouchers and hampers in Pond Inlet in partnership with Arctic Co-Op Ltd. The funds for QIA’s COVID-19 response come from the Government of Canada’s Indigenous Community Support Fund.

Here is how it works:

• Starting the week of January 10^th 2022, QIA and Arctic Co-Ops will begin delivery of a food voucher valued at $250.
• Delivery of food vouchers will be contactless to each Inuit household in Pond Inlet.
• A food hamper valued at $250 will be delivered on or around the week of January 24^th 2022.

Inuit with multiple families living in the same household are asked to contact their QIA Community Liaison Officer for information on additional support

For more information on this program, you can e-mail: COVID-19@qia.ca or
call: 1-867-975-8383.

Please visit the QIA website at qia.ca for more information and daily updates.

For more information, please contact:
Will Hopkins, Acting Director of Communications,
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
whopkins@qia.ca
867.975.8413 or
1.800.667.2742