Investigative Solutions Network-Maskwa (ISNM) seeks quotes for food service providers to deliver culturally appropriate, nutritious meals for Indigenous community evacuees housed in Northwestern Ontario accommodations during the 2026 calendar year. Services will be activated as needed in response to flood, wildfire, and other emergencies requiring community evacuations.
Primary Locations: Thunder Bay, Fort Frances, Kenora, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Marathon
Requirements
We request quotes from food service providers across North Western Ontario with the capacity to deliver high-quality meal services, accommodate dietary needs, and provide flexible, scalable options to support varying numbers of evacuees.
1. Service Locations: Providers must be able to deliver to multiple accommodation sites in urban and suburban centers across North Western Ontario, with the capacity to cover locations at a moment’s notice within a reasonable travel radius.
2. Meal Requirements:
Culturally Appropriate Meals: Providers should offer meals that respect Indigenous dietary traditions and preferences, including options for traditional foods where possible.
Nutritionally Balanced: All meals should be balanced and meet Canada’s food guidelines for nutrients and caloric intake.
Special Dietary Accommodations: Providers must offer alternatives for dietary restrictions (e.g., diabetic, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan) and be able to address allergies.
3. Meal Service Specifications:
Three Meals Per Day: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner must be provided for each evacuee, with the option to include snacks if requested.
Hot and Cold Options: Providers should be capable of delivering both hot and cold meal options depending on the time of day and preferences.
Packaged Meal Option: The ability to package meals individually for convenience, especially in cases where evacuees may not gather in a central dining area.
4. Scalability:
Flexible Volume: The food service provider must be able to scale meal delivery up or down based on the fluctuating number of evacuees, with minimum notice for changes in volume as little as 24 hours.
5. Health, Safety, and Compliance Standards:
Food Safety and Handling: Adherence to Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act and compliance with all public health standards for safe food handling and transportation.
Inspection and Certification: Providers should hold valid food safety certifications and be subject to regular inspections, meeting all standards set by the Ontario Ministry of Health.
Temperature Control: Ensure that all hot and cold items are served at the appropriate temperatures, with trained staff on-site to monitor food safety and serve evacuees.
6. Coordination and Point of Contact:
On-Site Liaison: The food provider should assign an on-site liaison available during meal times to manage meal distribution, address questions, and ensure smooth coordination with ISN Maskwa staff.
Menu Approval: Menus must be provided to ISNM and First Nations representatives for review 48 hours before implementation, ensuring cultural and dietary requirements are met.
7. Contractor Responsibilities:
Area Cleanliness and Disposal: The contractor must clean the serving area after each meal and responsibly dispose of remaining food items.
Insurance: The contractor must have adequate insurance to cover any liability related to food service and handling.
8. Experience with First Nations Communities:
Cultural Sensitivity: Preference will be given to contractors with experience working with First Nations communities or those who are Indigenous-owned/operated.
Community Engagement: Providers should describe their experience with First Nations, particularly during evacuations or large projects, and detail any existing community relationships.
9. Billing and Payment Terms:
Flexible Invoicing: Bids must include an all-inclusive per-meal rate (covering breakfast, lunch, dinner) and ensure costs for staff wages, delivery, serving utensils, and necessary setup materials are factored in. Bidders must be prepared to invoice twice monthly and accommodate extended payment terms to allow for federal fund processing timelines.
