Busy season for Iqaluit food bank

Iqaluit's Niqinik Nuatsivik food bank says demand for their service is high over the Christmas holiday season.

Jen Hayward, volunteer chair of the board, said the number of people using the food bank rises from 120 to around 175 this time of year.

She attributed the increased demand to the higher cost of living in the winter months.

"Seasonal employment is not as great in the winter months," she said. "People have other strains on their resources such as higher heating costs, fuel, and as well we've had mild weather so its hard for people to get out on the land and get hunting until the real cold weather comes."

Hayward said those who pick up the food often bring it home to their families.

She estimates the food bank feeds between 500 and 700 people with each of their bi-weekly distributions.

A group of volunteers is planning a special distribution for January 2, 2010, giving away fresh meat and fruit along with the usual non-perishable items.