Pages 289-295 in G. Pétursdóttir et al., eds. Circumpolar Health 93. Proceedings of the 9th International Congress on Circumpolar Health, Reykjavík, Iceland, June 20-25, 1993. Arctic Medical Research. 1994;53(Suppl.2)
Nutrition Surveys Section, Nutrition Research Division, Health and Welfare Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Nutrition Research Division, Health Protection Branch, Health and Welfare Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Strategic Analysis Division, Northern Affairs Branch, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Source
Pages 289-295 in G. Pétursdóttir et al., eds. Circumpolar Health 93. Proceedings of the 9th International Congress on Circumpolar Health, Reykjavík, Iceland, June 20-25, 1993. Arctic Medical Research. 1994;53(Suppl.2)
Changes to a federal subsidy on nutritious perishable and nonperishable foods were examined among 292 women of childbearing age in three Inuit communities. Problems were identified in relation to food security, concern over access to and safety of country food, insufficient income to adequately feed the family, serious concerns over alcohol and drug abuse and family violence, and high smoking rates. Women spent little time on the land and were only moderately active. There were low mean intakes for calcium, vitamin A, and folacin. Pregnant and lactating women were at greatest risk. Country food was the major source of protein and iron and store foods the major source of calories and most other nutrients. Nutritious perishables were the most important source of folacin and vitamin A. All communities had a high consumption of food of little nutritional value. Significantly lower postal rates (and lower retail prices) did appear to increase consumption of these foods. Higher rates appeared to lower consumption of some nutritious perishables.