The SAQ presents more than $700,000 to the Food Banks of Quebec network

Montreal, October 15, 2021 – Between October 7 and 13 this year, the SAQ donated the equivalent of one meal for each Quebec product it sold. The company also encouraged customers to make a donation at checkout. The SAQ is pleased to announce that the initiative raised a total of $747,123 for the Food Banks of Quebec (FBQ) network. The financial assistance will be used to support thousands of Quebecers who are dealing with food insecurity, an especially challenging reality for some in today’s economy.

The spirit of sharing
Catherine Dagenais, President and Chief Executive Officer of the SAQ, is eager to express her deep gratitude to all who contributed to the cause. “I offer my warmest thanks to all the customers who once again expressed solidarity by answering our call. This act of sharing is further proof that Quebecers care about the less fortunate. I also want to highlight the invaluable contribution of our employees, who always bring a burst of energy that ensures each campaign’s success.”

“Our big, province-wide assistance network is stronger than ever thanks to the SAQ’s unflagging support,” said Martin Munger, the FBQ’s Executive Director. “We are extremely grateful. The magnitude of Quebecers’ generosity simply blows us away every campaign. The ongoing impacts of the pandemic and the increase in the cost of living have placed great pressure on our organizations’ efforts to continue distributing large amounts of food to people in need in every region.”

Loyal partner for 12 years
The generosity of its customers and involvement of its 7,000 employees have allowed the SAQ to remit more than $12 million to the FBQ network since 2009. The funds are used not only to meet the requests for assistance 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)
The Food Banks of Quebec network is now more than 30 years old. With the support of its 19 Moisson regional food banks and 13 associate members across Quebec, some 1,200 community organizations handle more than 1.9 million requests for food assistance a month. The FBQ network pools resources, expertise and information to provide sufficient assistance to vulnerable persons in need and to do so equitably in every region of the province.
https://www.banquesalimentaires.org/en/

About the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ)
Created in 1921, the SAQ imports, distributes and sells a broad range of wines, beers and spirits. Its sales network comprises 409 stores and 429 agency stores located throughout Quebec as well as a transactional website, SAQ.com. Driven by the passion and know-how of its 7,000 employees, the SAQ offers Quebecers a world of discovery, with nearly 44,000 products from 3,700 suppliers in 82 countries. In fiscal 2020-2021, the SAQ supported some 300 organizations and events and paid a dividend of $1.219 billion to the Quebec government, while also ensuring its business activities respected local communities and the environment.