KKETS

Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services (KKETS) Mawachintoon Anishnabe Miijim (MAM) program is distributing roughly 48,000 pounds of potatoes, carrots, and onions in Thunder Bay and remote First Nation communities.

Some of the produce has been designated for several charitable organizations in Thunder Bay including the Dew Drop Inn, Salvation Army, Grace Place, Shelter House and the Regional Food Distribution Centre while the rest will be shipped further north to remote communities.

“When First Nations communities are food secure, the benefits extend far beyond our Nations,” said KKETS Executive Director David Neegan. “Strong Indigenous food systems contribute to healthier families, a more stable workforce, and greater resilience across the entire region. When First Nations thrive, the region as a whole becomes stronger, more self-reliant, and better prepared for the future.”

The project was funded by a large, out-of-province donation. KKETS says this will help ensure that families have access to fresh and nutritious staples throughout the winter.

“In 2025, we served 81,475 hot meals to our community, and with inflation it’s becoming more challenging to afford fresh produce,” said Champagne Thomson, Development Manager of the Shelter House. “KKETS’s incredible donation of redistributed potatoes, carrots, and onions will go a long way in feeding those experiencing food insecurity in Thunder Bay. We couldn’t do what we do sustainably without the support of generous organizations and businesses.”