“This food drive is an important gesture of solidarity for the community,” explains Peter Andreopouos, Saveurs des Continents spokesperson. “The holiday season is a time for rejoicing and sharing, and we hope it is a happy and festive time for everyone. Over the last 13 years, more than 77,000 people have eaten for free at our tables, donating over 384,000 pounds of food items. This is a huge accomplishment, but the need is still pressing,” says Andreopouos.

Each year, the non-perishable food items donated during the drive are delivered to various organizations known for distributing food and goods to families and individuals in need, including Moisson Québec, Artisans de la Paix, Fondation Rock Guertin, Moison Outaouais, Moisson Larentides, Moisson Rive-Sud, Comptoir alimentaire Drummond and Le Relais.

“The holidays are special for everyone, but this time of year can be difficult for people in need,” says Andreopoulous. “By giving back, together we can help make this season more joyful for thousands of people,” he says.

To maximize donations, participants are asked to limit the duration of their meal. Individuals under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

According to Statistics Canada, 1.1 million Quebecers live in food-insecure households, and half of them have gone hungry in the past year. In Québec, one child in ten is likely to suffer from hunger, including 40,000 children under the age of five.