Although supplies are reliable in the communities with daily airline service, it is not uncommon for fresh milk, eggs or bread to be completely unavailable in a small community. If you are coming to visit friends or family in Nunavut, among the best gifts you can bring are supplies of fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy products. These should be carried in hand luggage to protect them from freezing. Frozen food is almost always available at retail outlets, and can usually be obtained through local hunters and trappers organizations as well. In some communities there are local businesses that specialize in providing country food.
Some plants supply retail outlets as opposed to selling directly.
Otherwise, the activity is illegal. Processed meats, for example, don't apply. Export permits are free. For information about export amounts, restrictions and importing challenges, contact the appropriate government office before you head to Nunavut if you think you'll be bringing food back with you. When carrying food in your luggage aboard an airline from the North, you may be asked to sign a waiver saying that if it spoils it is not insured by the airline.