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Source verified July 15, 2026
Nutrition North Canada retail subsidy program
Supports northern food access and community initiatives
Latest source updateLast Update: June 30, 2026Latest change: Nutrition North Canada added new scope language on the food ecosystem and food economy, and the Eligible communities page now shows updated program figures including $1.4 billion total to date and $160+ million for 2025-2026.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: June 30, 2026
Latest change: Nutrition North Canada added new scope language on the food ecosystem and food economy, and the Eligible communities page now shows updated program figures including $1.4 billion total to date and $160+ million for 2025-2026.
Nutrition North Canada scope and funding updates
The How Nutrition North Canada works page added a new section on What is a Food Ecosystem and Economy, expanding the program’s stated scope to emphasize local producers, consumers, jobs, and a sustainable food supply. The Eligible communities page now shows a new Nutrition North Canada subsidy by the numbers section with $1.4 billion total to date and $160+ million for 2025-2026, along with updated delivery and impact figures; the visible eligibility requirements remain unchanged.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Opened April 14, 2020
Location
Canada
Overview
Nutrition North Canada has 1.4 billion dollars in total funding and supports 124 isolated northern communities to improve access to affordable, nutritious food. It backs retail contributions, nutrition education, community food programs, hunter support, and food security research rooted in northern and Indigenous priorities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Primary and Secondary Education
- Other Education
- Research
- Social Services
- Emergency and Relief
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Nonprofits / charities
- Low-income individuals / families
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Selling or distributing eligible food and essentials at reduced prices.
- Shipping eligible items to northern retailers, institutions, businesses, or individuals in eligible communities.
- Processing or distributing country food in eligible communities.
- Operating food banks, charitable organizations, or local growing facilities serving eligible communities.
Documents Needed
- Application form.
- List of stores served or communities served.
- Forecast of monthly shipments.
- Recent audited financial statements.
- Explanation of how program requirements will be met.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Retailers in eligible communities.
- Suppliers outside eligible communities.
- Registered food banks and charitable organizations.
- Local food growers in eligible communities.
- Country food processors or distributors.
Who is not eligible
- Mining companies and related service providers.
- Oil and gas companies and related service providers.
- Construction companies.
- Government establishments in or near eligible communities.
- Military, research, and weather station operations.
Eligible expenses
- Eligible food and non-food items sold or shipped under the subsidy.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Products sold to or ordered on behalf of mining, oil and gas, construction, military, research, or electricity businesses and facilities.
- Products sold to or ordered on behalf of outfitters, weather stations, surveying and mapping services, and environmental cleanup operations.
- Products sold to or ordered on behalf of bed and breakfast establishments and boarding houses, except approved shelter or emergency housing uses.
Eligible geographic areas
- Yukon
- Northwest Territories
- Nunavut
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Labrador
Selection criteria
- Northern shipping experience.
- Ability to supply foods for specific dietary needs.
- Shipment forecast to eligible communities.
- Indigenous ownership.
- Financial stability and sustainability.
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact the program
- Email Nutrition North Canada to express interest and identify your establishment.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Complete the application form.
- Gather the required supporting documents.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Send the completed form and documents to the program.
- Step 4: Complete the agreement process
- If approved, work with CIRNAC to prepare the Contribution Agreement.
Processing and Agreement
- RCAANC monitors compliance of registered retailers and suppliers with contribution agreement terms.
- A risk-based analysis is used to select registered retailers and suppliers for compliance evaluations for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
- Selected retailers and suppliers receive compliance evaluation summaries and associated action plans prepared by third-party auditors.
Additional information
- Recipients must sign a Contribution Agreement with CIRNAC.
- Monthly subsidy claims are required to receive payments.
- A third-party claims processor reviews claims for accuracy and completeness.
- Annual compliance audits may be conducted by an independent third party.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nutrition North Canada retail subsidy program Program
What is the Nutrition North Canada retail subsidy program?
Nutrition North Canada has 1.4 billion dollars in total funding and supports 124 isolated northern communities to improve access to affordable, nutritious food. It backs retail contributions, nutrition education, community food programs, hunter support, and food security research rooted in northern and Indigenous priorities.
Who is eligible for the Nutrition North Canada retail subsidy program program?
To be eligible for the Nutrition North Canada retail subsidy program program, you must:
Registered retailers, suppliers or local producers
Must serve eligible northern communities
Small operators may apply with support letter
What expenses are eligible under Nutrition North Canada retail subsidy program?
Selling or distributing eligible food and essentials at reduced prices.
Shipping eligible items to northern retailers, institutions, businesses, or individuals in eligible communities.
Processing or distributing country food in eligible communities.
Operating food banks, charitable organizations, or local growing facilities serving eligible communities.
Who can I contact for more information about the Nutrition North Canada retail subsidy program?
You can contact Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) by email at nutritionnordcanada-nutritionnorthcanada@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca.
Where is the Nutrition North Canada retail subsidy program available?
The Nutrition North Canada retail subsidy program program is available across Canada.
Is the Nutrition North Canada retail subsidy program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Nutrition North Canada retail subsidy program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Nutrition North Canada retail subsidy program?
Nutrition North Canada retail subsidy program is funded by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)