Montreal organizations join forces to combat food insecurity
Posted June 16, 2023 2:55 pm.
Last Updated June 16, 2023 6:51 pm.
Amid rising grocery costs, three organizations in Montreal are coming together to help combat food insecurity through an agricultural production project.
The first partnership of its kind, Regroupement Partage and Groupe Pro-Vert will produce 53 tons of organic vegetables this season, which will then be distributed by Moisson Montreal to people in need- free of charge.
“The implementation of this type of social innovation project, promoting collaboration between organizations concerned about food insecurity, is a significant first for Moisson Montréal,” said Chantal Vézina, executive director of Moisson Montréal.
This year, Regroupement Partage will produce nearly 11 tons of vegetables for Moisson Montréal. Meanwhile, Groupe Pro-Vert will add an additional three hectares to its Mascouche facilities this season to supply Moisson Montréal with 42 tons of vegetables.
“This new partnership with Moisson Montréal offers us a unique opportunity to further expand our Cultiver l’Espoir organic farming project and benefit a greater number of people,” said Audrey Renaud, executive director of Regroupement Partage.
This partnership comes during a time where demand for food assistance is growing in Montreal. In a 2022 report from Moisson Montréal, a total of 898,381 requests for assistance were filed, an increase of nearly 26 per cent compared to the previous year.
“In these times of rising living costs, it is more important than ever to ensure that everyone has access to healthy and nutritious food,” said Nicole Bastien, executive director of Groupe Pro-Vert.
The Quebec government has provided $25,000 to support the project.
“Our government will always be present to support vulnerable individuals and encourage initiatives that have significant impacts on Quebec communities, such as the partnership unveiled today,” said Chantal Rouleau, Minister of Community Action.
Both Regroupement Partage and Groupe Pro-Vert are social mission organizations who are involved in high-volume urban agriculture. Last year, Regroupement Partage cultivated over 55 tons of vegetables, serving 82,000 Montrealers.
