Mayo Foods joins Jordan’s Principle in a new partnership to bring increased access to food security in central Yukon

December 19, 2024

Mayo, YT – The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun and the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation are proud to announce extended access to Jordan’s Principle in the community of Mayo through the community’s only grocery store, Mayo Foods, a key resource for families living in central Yukon.

This partnership, led by the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun (FNNND) and supported by the Nation’s active business arm the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation (NNDDC), means that First Nation families living in Mayo will have access to food security via subsidized groceries at Mayo Foods, funded by the Government of Canada’s Jordan’s Principle program.

“Jordan’s Principle makes sure all First Nations children living in Canada can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. Funding can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs, including the unique needs that First Nations Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA children and youth and those with disabilities may have.

Jordan’s Principle is named in memory of Jordan River Anderson. He was a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba.” – via The Government of Canada website.

While Jordan’s Principle has been active in the Mayo community via JV Clark School supporting the school lunch program, this new development will support individual Yukon First Nations families with children under the age of 18 with subsidized food purchases at NNDDC’s wholly owned grocery store, Mayo Foods. Since 2020, NNDDC has been actively taking a loss on essential grocery items in order to promote affordability for the community, but this program will significantly expand on the access to food security.

“Living in the North, where costs are high and access to fresh, healthy food is limited, it can be hard for parents to provide nutritious meals at home. My goal is to reduce food insecurity for our young Citizens. At the end of the day, everything we do is for our kids — they are our future. And it all starts with a healthy meal at home.” – Mika Bernier, Health & Wellness Director, FNNND.

For families that are interested in participating in Jordan’s Principle in Mayo, they are asked to contact Mika Bernier, the Health & Wellness Director of FNNND, and meet with a Wellness Worker to begin the application process. Families can visit the FNNND Wellness Office (Room 125 in the NND Admin Building), email wellnessdir@nndfn.com, or call 867 996-2265 ext. 125. Jordan’s Principle is open to all Indigenous youth and families, Yukon First Nations living in Mayo are encouraged to reach out to their Nation’s office, but FNNND is happy to assist any Yukon First Nation family interested in applying. While the FNNND Health & Wellness team is determined to support the applications and access of as many families as possible, approval is not guaranteed as funding eligibility depends on each family’s unique circumstances. FNNND acts solely as a liaison to assist with program delivery, now in collaboration with Mayo Foods.

“We are very excited to support another food security initiative, led by the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, through our local grocery store Mayo Foods. It’s essential that our community has access to safe and sufficient food options. Jordan’s Principle ensures that First Nations families and children can meet their nutritional needs by alleviating some of the unjust burdens and barriers to accessing healthy foods. Food is at the heart of community and home life, and everyone should have the right to care for their children in a good way through accessible food.”

-Catherine Littlefield, Community Sustainability Manager, NNDDC

“To me, Mayo Foods is so much more than just a grocery store, it’s an important aspect of our community. We are so honoured to be invited in to participate in Jordan’s Principle, and be an additional source of support for our community members in need.”

– James Forster, General Manager, Mayo Foods

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