'That's not a meal': frustration and concerns raised over food given to Manitoba wildfire evacuees
Disappointment and frustration from First Nations evacuees in Winnipeg have prompted a man in the city to hit the kitchen and start cooking traditional meals for evacuees.
Around 3,000 people from four First Nations in Manitoba (Little Grand Rapids, Pauingasssi, Bloodvein and Berens River) have been evacuated and are staying in hotels in Winnipeg and Brandon.
The Canadian Red Cross told CTV News that it ensures evacuees are provided three meals a day at each hotel.
"Meals are provided by either the hotels themselves or caterers and that is coordinated by the Red Cross. Plus, the Red Cross has snacks available for evacuees at our reception centre," Jason Small, a spokesperson for the Canadian Red Cross, told CTV News in an email.
But evacuees are raising concerns about the food, which some say fail to meet standards.
Beans and a hotdog is one of several dishes that evacuees tell CTV News they have been given during their stays.
"It is kind of disgusting because that's not a meal. There is nothing really healthy about it," said Keith Proulx. "It was so maddening to see that is what they are expecting people to eat."
Small said the Canadian Red Cross has received complaints about the food from some of the evacuees.
"The Red Cross speaks regularly to community leadership, who will bring concerns from their members to us. Evacuated individuals will also directly inform our team of problems with the support we are providing, including meals," he said.
"We are always working to better the support we provide, so if there is a problem we hear about, we will work quickly to remedy the situation."
But some people aren't waiting around for the Red Cross.
After being approached by some CFS agencies, Proulx has been baking and cooking food for elders and evacuees stuck in Winnipeg hotels.
On Friday, he handed out around 150 bowls of soup, around 400 pieces of bannock and water to evacuees. He said the soup and bannock is not only nutritious and filling – for many people who are used to more traditional diets – it is comfort food.
"A lot of elders, they're not used to this city food and take out, and they don't like it," Proulx told CTV News.
"You're stuck here – you're stuck and you want a little piece of home."
He said the food has been welcomed by elders and evacuees.
"I'm from the north – I know how to make a good pot of soup and some bannock."
He said there has been a lot of comments and frustration on social media about the food being given to evacuees. He urged people to get involved and help out.
"I wish there was more people to help," he said. "All these hotels are full of people and they need some comfort. They need to be shown that there is people that care."
Keith said he plans to keep on cooking and baking for the evacuees.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.