On August 30th, 2014, Iqalummiut flocked to the Francophone Centre to take part in a farmer’s market organized by a group called IqaluEAT. A member of IqaluEAT described the event as, “Nothing outrageous – just community members getting together and taking charge of their food sovereignty as best they can and accessing reasonably priced and nutritious food.”
With support from Carrefour Nunavut, Réseau de santé en français du Nunavut, and the Francophone Centre, IqaluEAT brought Iqalummiut freshly flown-in produce and specialty food items at affordable prices. Their first event was a huge hit, with hundreds of townsfolk lining the streets.
In response to this popularity, IqaluEAT will be holding another food market on November 8th. In anticipation of the event, we asked IqaluEAT what the goals of the food co-op are and what we can expect at the next market.
The Goals of IqaluEAT
The goals of IqaluEAT are:
1. To source as locally as possible. This reduces our environmental impact and supports local economies.
2. To buy in-season. This, again, reduces food-miles and environmental impact and guarantees the freshest available food with the highest nutritional value.
3. To be self-sustaining. This is not a charity, nor is it a money-making scheme. The goal is to create a co-op is independent and volunteer-run.
4. To be an accessible resource to the community. All Canadians should have the right to access affordable, nutritionally adequate food.
What to Expect at the Next Market
When: November 8th at 1:30 PM
Where: Nakasuk Gymnasium
How: Cash only; bring your own bags!
IqaluEAT had a few lessons learned from the last market. They heard your comments, concerns, and suggestions about long lines, limited product, and a shortage of cashiers. As a result, the next food market will be held in a larger space, and they look forward to providing an ample selection of fresh and affordable produce (including kale). In addition to produce, there will be a selection of cheeses and a few foodie curiosities…
Pre-Order Your Produce!
If you’re interested in avoiding the lines and instead picking up a fixed-price, pre-selected bag of assorted produce, please send IqaluEAT an email! Bags will be sold at $35 each, and will include popular, seasonal, and well-priced products. Bags will be available for pick-up before the market opens, between 1:00PM and 1:30PM, at Nakasuk School. There are limited quantities available, so “first-email first-served!”
Photos by Vincent Desrosiers.
For more information on IqaluEAT, or to get involved, please send them an email at [email protected]. Also, use the hashtag #IqaluitCoop on Instagram and Twitter to share your fresh food photos!
