Montreal, November 24, 2022 – The Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) is adding its voice to that of Food Banks of Quebec (FBQ) and calling on its customers and all Quebecers to be generous in helping to meet the organization’s pressing needs in every part of the province.

“For the past year, the monthly number of requests for food assistance that our network handles has jumped from under 1.9 million to more than 2.2 million. That’s a 20% increase,” explained Martin Munger, Executive Director of the FBQ. “And these figures probably underrepresent the actual size of the situation. Inflation and the economic effects of the pandemic among other things have put unprecedented pressure on food banks everywhere. That is why we need the support of the SAQ and its generous customers in taking on this challenge.”

From November 24 through 30, all SAQ customers and all Quebecers will be encouraged to support the FBQ at any of our some 400 stores or online.

There are three simple ways to contribute:

1)    Make a donation at checkout in SAQ stores; 
2)    Contribute online on the Food Banks of Quebec website;
3)    And, year round, buy an SAQ-branded wrapping product (a share of the profits goes directly to the FBQ).

“For 13 years now, the SAQ has proudly supported the FBQ,” said Catherine Dagenais, President and Chief Executive Officer of the SAQ. “This cause is one supported by our 7,000 employees in every region of Quebec. Campaign after campaign, they get involved and organize friendly challenges among colleagues and stores, always with the same goal: to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people in need in our communities. At a time when requests for food assistance are exceptionally high, all our employees are answering the FBQ’s call for support. We encourage customers to do the same.”

Since 2009, the SAQ has channelled more than $14 million into the FBQ network. The funds are used not only to meet the requests for assistance that the FBQ handles but also to support projects for acquiring the equipment needed to carry out its mission. The SAQ is proud to be the FBQ’s leading financial partner.

About Food Banks of Quebec
The Food Banks of Quebec (FBQ) network is present throughout Quebec with its 32 regional members, many of which operate under the Moisson name. They supply nutritious foodstuffs to 1,200 affiliated community organizations that deliver food assistance to more than 670,000 persons a month. Since 1988, the FBQ has allowed resources, expertise and information to be pooled to fight food insecurity and alleviate hunger among vulnerable populations. www.banquesalimentaires.org