WHO WE ARE
Tackling two problems with one solution
2016
In 2016, Lise Proteau, Director of the Bedford Volunteer Action Center, and Noémie Raiche, Coordinator of the Youth and Families Unit of Brome-Missisquoi, diverted two crates of fresh lettuce from the landfill for the first time. Although slightly less crisp, this lettuce provided valuable vitamins to families in need who visited the organization’s food bank. Gradually, the initiative became more structured, and each summer, over a hundred pounds of food were recovered.
From this experience, an idea was born: “Why not expand the initiative to recover unsold or field-left food across the region before it ends up in the trash?” If these products could be properly stored and processed, it would be possible to provide a steady supply of healthy fruits and vegetables year-round while reducing food waste.
A Well-Organized System
The Antigaspillage Brome-Missisquoi initiative coordinates pickups from farms in collaboration with Volunteer Action Centers, which mobilize their volunteers for transportation. Every Tuesday morning, volunteers spread out across the Brome-Missisquoi region to collect surplus produce from local farmers. The harvest is then brought to a central location in the region for fair distribution. This organization ensures a greater variety of fruits and vegetables and equitable sharing for all. Volunteers then return the produce to their respective centers, where it is prepared for distribution to people in need or transformed into prepared meals.
Financial Support: An Essential Springboard
The project initially started without funding. In 2018, the Government Action Plan for Economic Inclusion and Social Participation provided financial support. This assistance allowed the purchase of equipment, the development of a promotion plan, and the organization of recognition activities. It also made a pilot food processing project with the organization Pleins Rayons possible. In 2019, the Farnham Volunteer Action Center received funding from the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, which enabled the setup of an industrial kitchen.
Important: Donations are made through the account of the Marguerite-Dubois Volunteer Action Center. Donors must indicate that the contribution is for the Antigaspillage Brome-Missisquoi initiative in the dedication/note section.
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Farmers / Growers
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Businesses / Retailers
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Volunteers
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Volunteer Hours
Success
Alone we go faster, but together we go much further
Regional collaboration has significantly increased our capacity for collection and processing. By pooling resources and adopting a participatory management structure, the partners have created a sustainable and equitable synergy among all the organizations involved.
Challenges
Doing a lot with little
The Antigaspillage project faces several major challenges: maintaining the cold chain, organizing transportation, and managing storage and processing capacities, all while mobilizing already busy volunteers. The rising cost of food and the unpredictable evolution of food insecurity call for increased donations of surplus food and demand great flexibility. These constraints highlight the need for an innovative, responsive, and well-structured organization to maximize impact and ensure the project’s sustainability.
Looking Ahead
Strengthening our capacity, expanding our reach
We are committed to further developing the project by enhancing our infrastructure and equipment. We aim to engage and recognize our volunteers while optimizing food management to maximize our impact and our ability to give more. The Committee seeks to raise the profile of the Antigaspillage Brome-Missisquoi initiative among donors, the general public, and funding partners, inspiring and multiplying actions to fight food waste.
Regional collaboration has significantly increased our collection and processing capacity. By pooling resources and adopting a participatory management structure, the partners have created a sustainable and equitable synergy among all organizations involved.