FOOD AVAILABILITY, FOOD STORE MANAGEMENT, AND FOOD PRICING IN A NORTHERN COMMUNITY FIRST NATION COMMUNITY

Abstract

Food security exists when people have consistent physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious foods to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Remote northern First Nations communities suffer disproportionate rates of food insecurity and confront a myriad of social problems that stem from colonization. Access to healthy, inexpensive and culturally appropriate foods will not solve all of these problems. Such access may not be possible under current conditions. Northern Stores often have a monopoly for the greatest part of the year in remote communities. Hence, they impose their own prices and their own food selection based on a pure capitalist model. This paper examines the determinants of price as well as the distribution challenges and structure in First Nation communities.