Focusing on people’s collaboration, food assistance practices help break people’s isolation caused by poverty and build a network of mutual aid. Thereby, participants can develop their full potential by improving their diet, health and financial situation, and by acquiring further knowledge. Thus, people in need can access measures promoting independence and responsibility all while respecting their dignity.

Low-cost grocery stores
The temporary grocery store is organized by non-profit groups at the beginning of the school year and during the Christmas holiday. People have the opportunity to choose for themselves the kind of foodstuffs they are interested in and pay only a fraction of the total amount (around 10%).

Community grocery stores
Different models of food markets are available in community organizations and act as social economy businesses, cooperatives or purchasing groups. The goal is to provide those in need with foodstuffs at the lowest or most competitive prices.

Collective or community kitchens
Participants in collective kitchens and community kitchens meet regularly to prepare several meals together. By pooling their times, money and knowledge, participants save money when buying food and take home several portions of diverse, healthy and economical dishes.

Collective or community gardens
Collective gardens are lands subdivided into plots given to people who cultivate their own plot individually by their own means. Community gardens are lands generally owned by a non-profit group or that a private owner lends to a group of people.

Purchasing groups
Purchasing groups are made of individuals or families that save money by collectively buying wholesale and lower priced food.

To learn more

Here you will find various studies, statistics and initiatives on the hunger issue in urban centers.