Access to fresh, affordable and healthy food is limited to the extent that the area can be considered as a food desert, meaning that very few citizens live within a 500 meter radius of a service providing fresh fruits and vegetables. Grocery stores are situated almost exclusively on the main arteries. Moreover, there are very few markets where reasonably priced seasonal fruits and vegetables can be found. More and more people are requesting help from food banks, an alarming sign that encourages us to act.

Food security is an important preoccupation for many low income families, it has accordingly been identified as a high priority issue during consultations with the citizens of the southern West Island. A working committee has been formed and its role is to elaborate and implement, in association with the community, an action plan in order to improve food security in the southern West Island.

For more information or to participate in the committee, contact us at (514) 505-0840 ext. 10 or at mlemairestgelais@tqsoi.org.

*New* Our Food Security Toolbox. It is the result of many years of work, projects, internships, collective and collaborative efforts by various committees and community organizations. You’ll find 5 tools to better understand local resources, food insecurity issues and the structure of the food system in the West Island.