A Montreal researcher is studying the true value of food banks and soup kitchens in fast-growing northern centres such as Iqaluit, where more people are using the services.

An average of 70 people a day used the Iqaluit food bank on food-delivery days last year, up from an average of 39 people in 2007. Meanwhile, the number of people using the Iqaluit soup kitchen has doubled since it opened in a new, central building last fall.

"Down at the old soup kitchen, 30 to 35 people would be a full load for the day," said Jerry Peet, a longtime volunteer at the soup kitchen. "Here, we're getting anywhere between 55 and 70 people everyday."

Marie-Pierre Lardeau, a doctoral student with McGill University, said she is interviewing people who use the soup kitchen, food bank and the Tukisigiarvik centre, a first stop for people seeking social services in the city of about 6,200.

"We're trying to understand who is using these services in Iqaluit," Lardeau told CBC News.

"Is it what we hear, like the hidden homeless? Are there families? Are there people who are, you know, more like the working poor that are working but just can't provide enough food?"

Lardeau said she is asking people about their lifestyles, their employment status and how many people they support.

A lot of research has been done on the food needs of people across Canada's North, including some specific studies in small communities, she said.

But Lardeau said she hopes to find out what is unique about the people who use food-related programs in larger, fast-growing northern communities like Iqaluit and Arviat in Nunavut, as well as Inuvik, N.W.T., and Kuujjuaq, Que.

The food bank and soup kitchen rely on volunteers and donations as well as some government support.

"There will always be a segment of the population that will need some support mechanism," she said of the food programs. "I think these are the support mechanisms in Iqaluit, and I think it has to be recognized and properly funded."

Lardeau's research is in partnership with the Arctic Health Research Network.