Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak is urging the federal government to make dedicated investments in northern First Nations as part of Canada’s National Food Security Strategy.

In a statement released Monday, MKO said it welcomes the federal government’s recognition of food security as a national priority but remains concerned that northern First Nations were not adequately reflected in the strategy.

The organization says factors such as remoteness, higher food costs, limited infrastructure and reliance on southern supply chains contribute to food insecurity rates that are nearly 46 per cent higher than the provincial average in northern First Nations communities.

MKO also argues the strategy’s dedicated northern food security funding—$100 million from a broader $750 million fund for rural and northern communities—is not enough to address the scale of the challenges facing northern Manitoba.

Grand Chief Garrison Settee says northern First Nations families continue to pay more for food while having fewer nutritious options available, adding that meaningful investment is needed to ensure no family goes hungry.