This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Blood Ties Four Directions Centre.
The Government of Yukon and Blood Ties Four Directions Centre are pleased to announce the expansion of the Healthy Meals program, providing essential support to Whitehorse community members facing food insecurity.
The enhanced program will upgrade the kitchen facilities at the Blood Ties Four Directions Centre, enabling the provision of both lunch and dinner services seven days a week. This initiative reflects the Government of Yukon’s ongoing commitment, along with its partners, to improving the health and wellbeing of all Yukoners, particularly the most vulnerable, by ensuring access to essential services and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
This expansion will be implemented in phases. Starting in June 2024, expanded lunch services will be available Monday to Friday at 1 pm. By late summer 2024, once the kitchen upgrades are complete, lunches will be prepared in-house. Dinner services will commence in the fall 2024. By late fall, the program will extend to offer seven-day-a-week service.
The upgraded kitchen will facilitate the preparation of higher-quality meals, ensuring that more community members have access to essential nutrition. The program will also provide employment opportunities for individuals accessing services at the centre, further integrating support and engagement within the community.
The expanded Healthy Meals program is part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity and enhance support services in downtown Whitehorse. It exemplifies the collaborative efforts between the government and community organizations to create a safer, healthier and more resilient community.
The expansion of the Healthy Meals program is an important step towards addressing food insecurity in Whitehorse. By providing high quality lunch and dinner services all week long, we are helping vulnerable Yukoners have access to the nutrition they need to thrive. I’m so pleased this initiative will provide jobs to those with lived experience, helping to create opportunities for connection and support throughout this program. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Blood Ties Four Directions Centre for their dedicated partnership in this important effort. I look forward to seeing this program help us continue to build a healthier, safer and more vibrant community.
We are very grateful for the support from the Yukon government for this program. Lack of access to food security is an issue in our community, particularly for people who do not have access to cooking facilities because they are living in hotels, motels or are unhoused. We are looking forward to upgrading our kitchen to be able to better serve the folks we work with. Having healthy food co-located with our low-barrier drop-in centre and other services will make it easier for people to get all of their needs met at one place.
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The total budget for the expanded program is $178,648 and covers kitchen upgrades, staffing and program materials until March 2025.
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As part of the budget, $8,736 is allocated for peer contractors to assist with the meal program, providing employment opportunities to individuals accessing services at the centre.
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Meals will be provided at Blood Ties’ low-barrier drop-in centre, ensuring accessibility for all community members in need.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca
Zachary Burke
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-334-7986
zachary.burke@yukon.ca
Jill Aalhus
Executive Director, Blood Ties Four Directions Centre
867-335-8265
executivedirector@bloodties.ca