Food Access Impact Snapshot

programs that increase access to fresh, healthy, and culturally diverse foods, while promoting dignity, choice, community connection, and a stronger local food system.

WHAT WE KNOW

For people living on low incomes, systemic barriers make it difficult to access enough nutritious, culturally diverse food. While we work to address the root causes of food insecurity, community members need access to food today. Food access programs can help meet immediate needs in ways that promote dignity, choice, connection, and community well-being.

1 in 5

Montrealers

experience
food insecurity

1 in 3

children

risk going to
school hungry

1 in 2

NDG residents

live in priority
sectors

WHAT WE DO

Increase access to fresh, nutritious, and culturally diverse foods for community members experiencing financial barriers.

Improve food accessibility through multiple service points and program models, helping community members access food in ways that best meet their needs.

Create dignified and welcoming food access experiences that prioritize choice, agency, and a sense of belonging.

Strengthen community well-being and social connection by creating opportunities for people to gather, share meals, and build relationships.

Support local producers and a more resilient food system by sourcing from local farms and food suppliers whenever possible.

OUR PROGRAMS

Monthly appointments for community members in our service area who face barriers to accessing food. Through a dignified, market-style experience, participants can choose from a consistent selection of grocery items, with quantities based on the size of their household.

A drop-in community meal program where anyone can enjoy a nourishing meal in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Good Food Markets

From June to October, community members can purchase fresh produce on a sliding scale at weekly markets in Walkley–Fielding, Benny Farm, and St-Raymond, as well as pop-up markets in Westhaven.

Mini Markets

Year-round monthly markets in five subsidized housing complexes, bringing fresh, healthy, and affordable food directly to seniors.

Healthy snacks and recipe kits provided weekly to nine community centres and summer camps.

2025

0 +

visits to the Marché Depot and 1,300+ home deliveries to participants with limited mobility

people accessed essential groceries thanks to the Marché Depot

0 +

nourishing meals served weekly at the Resto Depot

0 +

mobile markets organized

0 +

snacks and meal-kits distributed to 9 local community centres and camps, reaching 1000+ children and teens

$ 0 +

invested in food across our programs, 40% of which was fresh fruits and vegetables

0 %

of produce was sourced through partnerships with 8 local producers

WHAT WE HEAR

2025

0 %

of Marché Depot and Resto Depot participants reported feeling a sense of belonging through The Depot’s programs

0 %

of Marché Depot participants reported feeling welcomed in our space

0 %

of Good Food Market shoppers said the program helped them eat more fruits and vegetables

0 %

of Resto Depot participants shared that The Depot’s programs reduced their feelings of isolation

“I have been enjoying eating more vegetables and plant based food, whatever is prepared at the [Resto] Depot has changed how I feel inside and mentally.”

-Resto Depot Participant

“I have noticed the youth have developed an interest in cooking and being creative with the snacks and the ingredients from The Depot.”

-YMCA NDG

I left with enough food to feed me for two weeks with a good variety. It’s honestly been a few years since I planned to have lunch because I just realistically can’t afford it but I was provided enough food to make me feel comfortable planning lunches this week.

-Marché Depot particpant

“Thanks to The Depot, I can now add more vegetables and prepare salads and soups.”

-Marché Depot participant

ADVANCING OUR IMPACT

At The Depot, people have immediate access to fresh, nourishing, and culturally diverse food. They build skills, improve their health, make social connections, and contribute to their communities. They also have the opportunity to engage in advocacy work that raises awareness and addresses the systemic barriers to realizing of food as a basic human right.

our food access programs...

1 RESPOND TO IMMEDIATE NEEDS

by providing affordable, healthy, and culturally diverse food options.

2 BUILD COMMUNITY AND LONG-TERM HEALTH

by creating spaces for connection, learning, and access to nutritious, culturally relevant food.

3 WORK ON DISMANTLING THE STRUCTURAL BARRIERS THAT CREATE FOOD INSECURITY

by strengthening partnerships with local producers to support more resilient territorial food systems and increase access to locally grown food.