Food insecurity is defined as insufficient or uncertain access to adequate food, primarily due to financial constraints. In many First Nations communities, the high cost of groceries, lack of fresh produce, and a limited variety of foods represent major barriers to a healthy and balanced diet.

Many community initiatives have emerged to address these challenges. They aim to support individuals and families in vulnerable situations by providing food, meals, or practical solutions to reduce the cost of healthy eating. Community fridges, as well as food banks and food hampers, are notable examples that play an essential role in alleviating food insecurity within communities.

What is a community fridge? 
A community fridge is a free food-sharing space that is accessible to everyone. Its purpose is to reduce food waste while fostering community solidarity. 

• Objectives: Reduce food waste and distribute free food. 

• How they work: Meals or food items are made available to all, either on a self-serve basis (24/7) or monitored (according to a schedule). 

• Where to find them: Community centres, businesses, public facilities, or even outdoors under a shelter. 

• Contributions: Open to all (organizations, restaurants, dining establishments, citizens, volunteers). 

• Management: A person or organization is responsible for reception (if necessary), maintenance, cleaning, and rotation of the food. 

The Gesgapegiag community fridge: An inspiring initiative
In Gesgapegiag, a community fridge is open from Monday to Friday, on a set schedule, at a location that also hosts several other food security services, such as a soup kitchen, activities for elders, and a community kitchen. 

Photos and meal descriptions are posted on the community’s Facebook page to let the public know what is available. In October 2025, 107 meals were distributed through this service, demonstrating its essential role. Congratulations on this initiative, a true source of inspiration for communities seeking to strengthen access to healthy food and reduce food waste! 

Photo credits : Sandra Boisvert and the Gesgapegiag Health and Community Centre.

What are food banks and food hampers? 
Food banks and food hampers are ways to support people with limited access to nutritious food. Beneficiaries may receive pre-assembled food hampers or select their own items, depending on the frequency and established criteria. 

• Objective: Distribute food at a set frequency, in the form of groceries or pre-assembled hampers. 
• Eligibility criteria: Based on income, territory, available resources, or other factors. 
• Personnalisation du service :
  • Free choice of foods by category or predefined hamper.
  • Adaptation based on family composition.
  • Home delivery.
  • Distribution frequency.
  • Respect for beneficiary confidentiality.
  • Defined operating periods and hours.

Food hampers in Wôlinak: Eating with dignity 
In the Wôlinak community, the Kakanigan multi-service centre offers a variety of food security services, including weekly food hampers. These hampers are prepared with consideration for weekly flyer discounts and include healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Each week, beneficiaries receive bread, milk, yogurt, and two sources of protein (meat, cheese, etc.). There are currently 45 people who are signed up for this service and who collect their hampers at a pre-established time, ensuring confidentiality.

Hampers may also be delivered in special situations, for example for people with physical limitations.

Photo credits : Mélanie Bonneville.

Concrete ways to access nutritious food and meals  
Other community initiatives also deserve recognition, including: 

• Meals on wheels and community meals.
• A community freezer for traditional meats.
• Community gardens.
• Food vouchers.

A collective buying group is also a sustainable and effective solution to reduce grocery costs through direct purchases from the supplier or wholesaler.

Learn about the services offered in your community to access free food or meals when you need them.

Resources
https://observatoiredesinegalites.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Fiches-insecurite-alimentaire-3.pdf

https://observatoiredesinegalites.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Fiches-insecurite-alimentaire-2.pdf

https://communityfridgesto.org/fridge-guidelines

https://sauvetabouffe.org/boite-a-outils/repertoire-des-frigos-communautaires-du-quebec/

https://righttofood.ca/good-food-organizations/indigenous-network/

https://moissonquebec.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Les-services-daide-alimentaire.pdf