#Canada #Montreal #Maple Leaf Center #Carrefour Solidaire #Carte Proximité

Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security's $450,000 Commitment

In a significant move to tackle food insecurity, the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security, recognized for its dedication to sustainable food practices, has announced a $450,000 investment in the innovative Carte Proximité program run by Carrefour Solidaire Community Food Centre. This initiative aims to improve access to healthy and affordable food options for low-income households throughout the Montreal area.

The Carte Proximité program, which started in 2020, offers a practical solution to food insecurity by distributing reloadable cards that recipients can use at designated grocery stores and public markets. These cards empower participants by allowing them to purchase fresh produce and prepared foods, total purchases exceeding $2.3 million across 5,500 cards issued in 13 Montreal boroughs, as well as Laval, Outaouais, and Estrie.

Program Impact

The data surrounding Carte Proximité is compelling. Surveys conducted among its participants show a remarkable 34% reduction in severe food insecurity for those engaged in the program seasonally, and an astonishing 70% reduction among year-round participants. This information illuminates the profound impact community-driven approaches can have on addressing vital needs such as food security, demonstrating that access to nutritious food can significantly alter household situations.

Sarah Stern, the Executive Director of the Maple Leaf Centre, emphasized the importance of this initiative: "Hunger and food insecurity continue to be priority issues for Canadians. Carte Proximité serves as a testament to how community actions can yield measurable results in alleviating household food deprivation. We are committed to supporting Carrefour Solidaire CFC in this meaningful endeavor."

Beccah Frasier, Executive Codirector at Carrefour Solidaire CFC, added, "The Carte Proximité cards enable participants to become agents of change within their neighborhoods. They not only enhance the local food systems' resilience but also grant individuals the autonomy to choose the groceries that cater to their family's needs. With a wealth of impactful data compiled over five years, we are excited to initiate discussions about food vouchers in Quebec and explore their potential scalability."

A Broader Vision of Food Security

The Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security, since its inception in 2016, has allocated approximately $14 million in grants to various initiatives aimed at combating hunger and food insecurity across Canada. Aside from financial contributions, they actively advocate for essential public policies and fund research aimed at empowering communities to achieve food security.

The Carrefour Solidaire Community Food Centre, a key player in this initiative, champions the Right to Food through its three core programming pillars aimed at improving access to nutritious options while honoring dignity and choice. The program not only equips participants with culinary and gardening skills but also mobilizes community action around pressing social and environmental food issues.

Future Directions

The ongoing need for systems that provide equitable access to nutritious food is evident, and the Maple Leaf Centre, alongside partners like Carrefour Solidaire, continues to lead the charge. With the latest financial commitment, the expansion of the Carte Proximité program is set to reach even more families within Montreal, ensuring that the fight against food insecurity remains a collaborative priority.

For more about the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security and the change it seeks to drive, visit Feed Opportunity and learn more about their vital programs and community impacts.