MONTRÉAL, March 28, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Welcome Hall Mission announces the official opening of its second Marché Bon Accueil, a free grocery store based on a new model of food security. The addition of this site aims to help the 5,000 clients of the Mission who live in the Northeast part of the island of Montreal. It will also enable Welcome Hall Mission to serve more disadvantaged families and better meet the growing demand for food aid.
“No one should be hungry in a city like Montreal,” said Sam Watts, President and CEO of Welcome Hall Mission. “But until we stop poverty altogether, we can try to do a better job of redistributing healthy, nutritious food to those who need it and making sure no one is left behind. “
An offer that meets the needs of the neighborhood
In Montreal-North, an alarming number of residents have to make a difficult choice: pay rent or pay groceries to feed their families. This borough has an aging population, a large number of new immigrants and many single-parent families who spend more than 30% of their household income on housing. The sector is also afflicted by chronic unemployment problems.
“We noticed that many of our clients came from Montreal-North and had to travel up to three hours on public transit to pick up groceries every other week,” says Watts. “This new market will simplify the life of our clients, while allowing us to serve more families that are in dire need. This second market had become a priority for us because our first location has reached near capacity.”
"Access to healthy eating is fundamental and too many of our citizens are struggling to fill that basic need," says Rosannie Filato, the City of Montreal Executive Committee Member responsible for Community and Social Development, Homelessness, Youth, Women's Issues, Sports and Recreation. “Our administration is committed to this fight against food insecurity and we are proud to see the forces on the ground, with innovative movers like Welcome Hall Mission.”
For Ms. Christine Black, Mayor of the borough of Montréal-Nord, this announcement is very well received. "This new location will be complementary to other services offered in the borough. We expect that many people will benefit from this service and that they will appreciate having easier access to the grocery store."
Team work effort
In addition to the renovations required to establish the new market, the Mission had to deploy staff, recruit hundreds of volunteers, and purchase a 26-foot refrigerated truck to service the new site from the food warehouses located in the southwest of Montreal.
The organization would also like to thank Moisson Montreal, as well as all the grocery stores, wholesalers and producers who, week after week, fill the market shelves and contribute to overall food waste reduction.
“We recognize the need for innovative solutions to food security and strongly support the work of Welcome Hall Mission in its efforts to eliminate hunger in all boroughs of the city of Montreal,” said Richard Daneau, Executive Director of Moisson Montreal.
About the Marché Bon Accueil
Serving more than 12,000 clients a month, Welcome Hall Mission offers the largest direct to client food assistance in Montreal. The Marché Bon Accueil allows customers to choose their own food, creating a positive and respectful environment, while limiting food loss. The new market is located at 5095, Blvd. Henri-Bourassa East in Montreal-North. It will be open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 AM to 4 PM. To use Welcome Hall Mission services, certain criteria must be met, including living below the poverty line, having a home and having legal status in Canada.
Marché Bon Accueil clientele is composed mainly of immigrants and people living in a precarious and temporary economic situation. The majority of them will come for a few months or years and then come back to the market as volunteers or even donors.
The opening of this new market is made possible thanks to the generosity of many donors and volunteers who have come together to help families in difficult situations.
To receive help, make a donation or to become a volunteer, contact Welcome Hall Mission at 514 937-9317.
About Welcome Hall Mission
Established in 1892, Welcome Hall Mission has become the largest doorway to help for Montrealers in need. Many programs are available to support the homeless, young single mothers, families, children and youth. Welcome Hall Mission gives them hope through concrete actions and effective solutions to help them improve their lives and reintegrate into society.
To follow Welcome Hall Mission
| Web site: welcomehallmission.com | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/2528106?trk=tyah | |
| Facebook: facebook.com/MissionBonAccueil | Twitter: twitter.com/whmba | |
| YouTube: youtube.com/user/whmba |
For more information or to schedule an interview:
Sophie Allard, APR
AH!COM
514-499-3030, ext. 771
514-808-9474
sa@ahcom.ca