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Theory of Change

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Food Fuels Solidarity:
Strategic Plan 2024-2029

The Issue

At The Depot, demand for emergency food support has nearly tripled between 2021 and 2023. We have reached capacity as an organization with our current service model and resources. This is driving us to get laser-focused on the impacts we can have as an organization, and to make difficult decisions.

From 2021 to 2023, demand for our emergency food services nearly tripled.

2021

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food bank visits

2022

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food bank visits

2023

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food bank visits

We are not alone…

In 2023, in Quebec, just over 1.2 million people live with food insecurity, comprising 15% of the province’s population.

Not everyone is impacted equally — systemic discrimination drives inequities:

  • 24% of Indigenous peoples experience food insecurity
  • 33% of racialized people experience food insecurity

Our Vision

A thriving and connected community where nourishing food is accessible and realized as a basic human right.

Our Mission

At The Depot, nutritious and delicious food fuels solidarity. Our community programs bring people together to grow, cook, share, and mobilize to end food insecurity.
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2023

Our Impact Areas

Respond to Immediate Need

We provide fresh, culturally diverse food with dignity and respect.

Support Community Building & Long-Term Health

We create inclusive spaces where people grow, cook, share, and learn together.

Work on Dismantling the Structural Barriers that Create Food Insecurity

We support community advocacy, leadership, and collective action to transform the systems that drive food insecurity.

Our Approach

Healthy Food

We prioritize offering fresh, culturally relevant, and nutrient-dense foods in all of our programs, recognizing the vital role of nutrition in promoting health and well-being.

Equity

We recognize food security is a spectrum. Our sliding-scale payment model allows more people to get involved, get what they need and give what they can.

Anti-Opression

Through our anti-oppression commitments, we strive to dismantle systemic barriers, connect community members, share resources, and advocate for access to healthy food.

Tools of Change

To achieve our mission and create lasting impact, we rely on key tools that strengthen our capacity and broaden our reach. These tools guide how we work, ensuring that The Depot can remain sustainable, responsive, and community-driven.

Strengthen Partnerships

Invest in partnership and collaboration to best serve the community and amplify voices for anti-poverty advocacy.

Invest in Our Team

Prioritize the well-being of our team and equip ourselves with the tools to achieve our vision.

Diversify Revenue & Fundraising

Build a sustainable and agile organization, while recognizing the limits of philanthropy in addressing food insecurity.

Develop our Infrastructure

Optimize our spaces and points of service to best serve the community and support anti-poverty mobilization.

Our Outcomes

Medium-Term Outcomes

Support Community Building & Long-Term Health

  • Strengthened community networks and sense of belonging
  • Increased knowledge about food systems and their health impacts
  • Improved well-being and health of community members
  • Deepened spirit and practice of reciprocity across The Depot

Respond to Immediate Needs

  • Increased access to whole, fresh, local foods
  • Increased affordability through sliding scale/subsidized pricing
  • Reduced stigma in accessing food support
  • Increased agency for low-income community members to voice needs and navigate resources

Work on Structural Barriers

  • Stronger, more accessible local food systems
  • Increased engagement of participants toward policy change
  • The Depot as an active leader in coalitions addressing poverty and food insecurity

Long-Term Outcomes

  • Strengthened personal and community agency
  • Healthier community members
  • Increased food security
  • Amplified dignity and agency
  • Individuals engaged and advocating alongside The Depot
  • Reduced poverty and barriers to income equality