Montreal, December 2, 2021 – This December, more than 600,000 persons in need will turn to food banks for assistance. Between December 2 and 8, the SAQ will encourage customers to make a cash donation at checkout in support of the Food Banks of Quebec (FBQ) network across the province. Alternatively, as is the case all year long, they can buy a gift bag, reusable bag or wood or paperboard gift box, with part of the proceeds from the sale going to the organization. Donations can also be made on the FBQ website.

“Financially speaking, the holiday season can be especially stressful and difficult for more than a few Quebecers,” said Catherine Dagenais, President and Chief Executive Officer of the SAQ. “That’s why it’s essential for us to support the FBQ network. With this campaign, we encourage customers to be generous. By pulling together, we can make a difference to people who face the challenge of getting enough to eat every day.”

“For 12 years now, the Food Banks of Quebec network has been able to rely on the loyal support of the SAQ, its employees and its customers,” noted Martin Munger, Director General of the FBQ. “Their generosity will spread across Quebec through our member organizations, which provide meals and foodstuffs to people in need.”

Loyal support for the FBQ

Thanks to the generosity of its customers and involvement of its employees, the SAQ has funnelled more $12 million into the FBQ network since 2009, including $3.3 million in 2020 alone. The funds are used not only to meet the requests for assistance that the FBQ receives but also to support projects to acquire 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 (FBQ)

Since 1988, the Food Banks of Quebec network has played a key role in providing assistance to vulnerable persons dealing with food insecurity. Its 32 Moisson regional food bank and associate members across Quebec serve some 1,200 affiliated community organizations, which handle more than 1.9 million requests for food assistance a month. The donations received by the FBQ are shared equitably among its members, enabling them to recover, enhance and distribute food to the neediest across Quebec.
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