Food assistance
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Social community organizations are aware that the Holiday season can be especially stressful and financially difficult, and this is why they have long been offering additional services to support individuals and families through these times. Christmas baskets may be the oldest and best known of those services, probably because organizations that provide them demonstrate an impressive ability to adapt to the population’s ever-evolving needs.
Newer types of assistance are now in existence besides the traditional food baskets prepared by a dedicated army of volunteers. In order that Christmas may be a time of celebration, here is an overview of resources available this year.
Christmas baskets help a large number of families every year. Registered families receive a large box containing non-perishable food, hygiene products and more.
N.B. Some organizations choose to provide checks or vouchers instead of regular baskets, but application and distribution procedures are the same.
Sharing stores is an alternative food assistance option available for the Holiday season. Instead of receiving a pre-assembled basket, eligible families are invited to visit a temporary community grocery store that is put together specifically for the occasion, and where they can choose the foods they want. Some rules are usually in place there in order to ensure the smooth running of the sharing store and the greatest possible equity.
Last year, according to Regroupement Partage, the association gathering participating organizations on the Island of Montréal, 5 400 families benefited from a sharing store.
During the holidays, in addition to food assistance services, some organizations offer Christmas activities. Some are free and others have a minimal cost. They are a good opportunity to share a warm meal, to break the isolation or to participate in family activities. These events take place in many towns and neighbourhoods and may allow to make valuable connections. Besides the community meals and dances for which one needs to register in advance, organizations such as Noël dans le Parc organize activities and shows that are open to all.