Montreal, October 16, 2020 – The Quebec Produce Marketing Association (QPMA) is taking the lead in the pan-Canadian philanthropy effort initiated by the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) by recognizing the efforts of essential workers across Quebec who’ve been courageously on the front lines with unwavering dedication since day one of the pandemic. As a gesture of thanks, some 500 fruit and vegetable boxes will be handed out to volunteers in a number of Quebec community-based organizations on Friday, October 16 as part of World Food Day celebrations.
While the current health crisis affects everyone, certain groups are more impacted by the pandemic than others, especially in terms of social isolation and access to healthy food. So, it should come as no surprise that the Quebec Produce Marketing Association has decided to highlight the work of selected community-based organizations and their volunteers in their tireless efforts in helping the most vulnerable among us, despite being hit hard by financial and organizational factors. Fortunatelly, all the links in the fruit and vegetable supply chain have remained strong throuhout the pandemic, ensuring that all quebecers have access to a wide variety of healthy food.
“During the First Wave of the pandemic, we saw a 35% increase in demand at Quebec food banks. The Second Wave is already showing signs that demand will grow even more, so we must redouble our efforts in keeping up a continuous supply and in working together for a healthier Québec.” – QPMA president and CEO Sophie Perreault
This awareness campaign initiative, as part of the QPMA I Love Fruits and Veggies Movement, is being carried out in partnership with Mangezquebec.com and in collaboration with the following QPMA wholesalers members: Fruits et légumes Gaétan Bono, Courchesne Larose, Canadawide, and Chenail import-export.
The food baskets filled Quebec fruits and vegetables will be distributed during annual World Food Day on October 16, under the auspices of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, to the following community-based groups:
- Les Petits frères (Montreal / Trois-Rivières / Sherbrooke / Quebec City)
- Moisson Montréal
- PAS de la rue (Montreal)
- Réseau alimentaire de l’est de Montréal (Action Secours Vie d’Espoir et L’association bénévole PATME)
- Le Bon citoyen (Trois-Rivières)
- Moisson Québec
- Centre de bénévolat d’Acton Vale
- SOS Dépannage (Granby)
- Moisson Rive-Sud (Boucherville)
- Comptoir alimentaire Drummond (Drummondville)
- Centre d’action bénévole de la MRC de Bécancour (Sainte-Sophie-de-Lévrard)
This initiative reflects the fruit and vegetable industry’s ongoing concern about food insecurity today and is in line with the implementation of the 2018–2025 Quebec Biofood Policy (Alimenter notre monde). The policy is actively supported by the Quebec Produce Marketing Association, including the objective of promoting food donations.
The QPMA would also like to thank its members, diligently working day after day to ensure that Quebecers are well fed and helping those most in need through a variety of charitable activities.
Quebec minister of agriculture, fisheries, and food André Lamontagne and Sophie Perreault will present the Centre de bénévolat d’Acton Vale with boxes of fruits and vegetables to thank them for their unfailing efforts in providing food assistance and Meals-on-Wheels service in their region.
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About the Quebec Produce Marketing Association
Founded in 1947, The Quebec Produce Marketing Association (QPMA) is a non-profit organization that brings together members from every sector of the fruit and vegetable industry, working in close synergy with them and with its various industry partners. The association promotes the consumption of fruits and vegetables as well as industry activities.
About the I Love Fruits and Veggies Movement
The mission of the I Love Fruits and Veggies Movement is to increase public awareness of the importance of eating fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy lifestyle. The movement is active with educational and promotional activities on the ground and online to serve the needs of an ever-growing community of followers. Find the movement on Facebook and Instagram at Jaimelesfruitsetlegumes or on online at www.jaimelesfruitsetlegumes.ca.
QPMA Contacts:
Sophie Perreault, President and CEO
sperreault@aqdfl.ca / 514-355-4330 extension 222 / mobile 514-777-6319
Mario Lalancette, Director of Strategy and Communications
mlalancette@aqdfl.ca / 514-355-4330 extension 225 / mobile 514-497-6115
