THE HIGH COST OF A NUTRITIONALLY ADEQUATE DIET IN 4 YUKON COMMUNITIES

The cost of purchasing a nutritionally adequate diet in four Yukon com munities was examined, based on the 46 food items and quantities of th e federal government's Northern Food Basket. In Old Crow, unit purchas e prices were on average 250% of those in Edmonton, while in three sou thern Yukon communities, unit purchase prices were about 125% of those in Edmonton. In quantities needed to meet weekly nutrient needs of a family of four, the cost in Old Crow was 320% of that in Edmonton, whi le in three southern Yukon communities, it was 140%. It appears that d ue to financial necessity, Yukon aboriginal people need continuing acc ess to traditional food resources (wild game animals, birds, fish and berries). Since the Northern Food Basket does not include any traditio nal foods, it alone is of limited acceptability to these people. The h igh cost of marketed food and the role of traditional foods in contemp orary diets should be considered in giving dietary advice and in detem ining food allowances in social assistance programs.