The Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security ("the Centre") announced a $450,000 commitment to Carrefour Solidaire Community Food Centre ("Carrefour Solidaire CFC") to expand the innovative Carte Proximité program, which improves access to nutritious food for low-income households across Montreal.
Carte Proximité provides monthly allocations to households experiencing food insecurity via reloadable cards, which can be used at participating grocery stores and public markets to purchase fresh and prepared foods. Since its launch in 2020, the program has facilitated over $2.3 million in purchases across 5,500 cards, reaching communities in 13 Montréal boroughs, Laval, Outaouais, and Estrie. The Centre's support will allow Carte Proximité to reach more people in Montreal and will support Carrefour Solidaire CFC in developing a scalable model. Surveys conducted with participants show that the program led to a 34% reduction in severe food insecurity among seasonal participants and an impressive 70% reduction among those enrolled year-round.
"Hunger and food insecurity continue to be priority issues for Canadians. Carte Proximité is a powerful example of how community-driven initiatives are making a measurable difference in reducing household food insecurity," said Sarah Stern, Executive Director of the Centre. "We are proud to support Carrefour Solidaire CFC to expand this impactful program to reach more families in Montreal."