Analysis of the food and medicines provision in the northern regions of the USA and Canada

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of foreign experience in ensuring the availability of medicines and food products for the population of the northern regions of the United States and Canada. The author considers in detail the work of support mechanisms in hard-to-reach places in Alaska and the Northwest Territories of Canada, where there is no transport communication all year round. The content of the U.S. government programs on drug coverage (Medicare and Medicaid), mechanisms of subsidizing food and essential commodities (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women/Infants and Children Program (WIC), Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)) were analyzed. The delivery of food by the Alaska ByPass mail program, which delivers food and necessary goods to hard-to-reach settlements where there are no roads, was studied. The article also pays attention to the state policy on a healthy lifestyle, which includes proper and balanced nutrition, considers state programs and recommendations on nutrition for Americans (Dietary Guidelines for Americans) and Canadians (Canada’s Food Guide). The results of the work can be used in the development of programs and proposals for improving measures to support and provide Arctic regions of the Russian Federation with food products and medicines.