Glossary of terms for Nutrition North Canada

Definitions for the terms used in the Nutrition North Canada program and on these web pages.

Commercially prepared food
Food that is prepared and distributed by food manufacturers, and that individuals typically buy in a store. This food can be fresh, frozen, raw or cooked and is usually pre-packaged.
Country food
Food obtained through local hunting, fishing or harvesting. Examples include caribou, ptarmigan, seal, Arctic char, shellfish and berries.
Country food processors/distributors
Government-regulated establishments that produce country food approved for export and are located in a community eligible for a subsidy under the program.
Direct orders
Individuals and certain institutions (for example, schools and daycares) in eligible communities are able to buy eligible subsidized items directly from a supplier that is registered with the program and offers this service. Direct orders are often referred to as personal orders.
Eligible communities
Communities eligible for food subsidies. These communities lack year-round surface transportation.
Eligible food and non-food items
List of the types of food and non-food items which are eligible for a subsidy.
Non-food items
Items that are also eligible for a subsidy, such as: toilet paper, soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, laundry and dishwashing detergent.
Non-perishable food
Food which does not spoil quickly when stored at room temperature and has a shelf-life of more than 1 year. Examples include dry pasta, dehydrated vegetables and canned fruit.
Northern retailers
Retailers who operate stores located in eligible communities and who sell eligible food and non-food items. These retailers are registered as a business with the Canada Revenue Agency and have a contribution agreement with CIRNAC to govern the funds (the subsidy) they receive under the program.
Perishable food
Food that spoils quickly especially if it is not stored at the proper temperature. Perishable food can be fresh or frozen or have a shelf-life of less than 1 year. Examples include meat, milk, bread, fresh vegetables and frozen fruit.
Personal orders
Consult Direct orders.
Retail subsidy
An amount of money that the federal government transfers to registered northern retailers and suppliers in the program to help reduce the cost of nutritious food in eligible isolated, northern communities. See How the subsidy works for more information.
Revised northern food basket
A list of 67 food items and quantities required to nutritiously feed a family of 4 for 1 week. See the Results page for more information.
Registered suppliers
Suppliers and wholesalers who operate a business located in Canada and who supply food and non-food items that are eligible under the program. They are registered as a business with the Canada Revenue Agency and have a contribution agreement with CIRNAC to govern the funds (the subsidy) they receive under the program. Suppliers provide eligible products to small community retailers, eligible institutions, establishments and individuals living in an eligible community through direct/personal orders.
Surface transportation
Access to permanent road, rail or marine service.
Traditional food
See country food.

Did you find what you were looking for?

What was wrong?

You will not receive a reply. Don't include personal information (telephone, email, SIN, financial, medical, or work details).
Maximum 300 characters

Thank you for your feedback

Date modified: