Community organizations in Quebec City are facing a surge in demand for Christmas baskets, with Moisson Québec planning only 12,000, far below the needs. Food aid requests have risen significantly, impacting 2.9 million individuals monthly. A large percentage of those in need are new immigrants or families, with many relying on employment for support. Organizations like La Bouchée généreuse are already seeing early registrations, indicating a record demand for food assistance this holiday season.
As Halloween festivities wind down, community organizations in the Quebec City area are already feeling the strain of demand for Christmas baskets, with Moisson Québec acknowledging that the 12,000 baskets they plan to prepare will fall short of what is needed.
Hunger in Quebec
- 2.9 million monthly requests for food assistance (a 13% increase from 2023)
- 940,781 individuals supported monthly by Quebec food banks (a 53% rise since 2021)
- 62.3% of those receiving assistance are new immigrants, refugees, or members of visible minorities (up from 47.8% in 2023)
- 20% of households seeking food aid have jobs as their primary income source
- 47% of assisted households are families with children
Source: Bilan-Faim Québec 2024 des Banques alimentaires du Québec
“Most organizations have requested more baskets, but unfortunately, 12,000 is the utmost we can manage,” stated Élisabeth Fortin, communications coordinator for Moisson Québec. “Our budget constraints mean we will likely run out.”
Moisson Québec supports over 90 organizations in the greater Quebec City area. In the previous year, 10,000 baskets were distributed.
“Registrations started two to three weeks ago, and we already have around thirty baskets set aside. It’s unusual — requests typically ramp up closer to the end of November, but this year it’s happening nearly a month early,” shared Véronique Beaulieu, president of Amélie et Frédérick – service d’entraide.
She anticipates that her organization will provide around 130 baskets this holiday season.
Annual Patterns
At La Bouchée généreuse, the registration process for Christmas baskets only begins in mid-November. However, many have already shown interest, which is “not surprising,” according to assistant director Marie-Pier Gravel.
“Recent weekly distributions have hit record highs, with 1,289 baskets on October 17 and 1,281 on the 24th. We expect that Christmas 2024 will be even busier than 2023, and unfortunately, we predict that records will continue to be broken in 2025,” she expressed with concern.
The ongoing and increasing demand for food assistance prompted La Bouchée généreuse to relocate to larger facilities at Place Fleur de Lys.
“Every week, we experience overwhelming requests. This is particularly true during the holiday season, as many individuals only ask for help once a year, and that time is now,” added Élisabeth Fortin.
Food Supply Not the Issue
Interestingly, the various food aid services supported by Moisson Québec are not pleading for more food to fulfill their obligations.
“People are saying things like, ‘I lack volunteers for distribution, I need to open another day, or there’s not enough space to store all the food.’ The supply of food isn’t the issue; we simply wish there were fewer people in need. Unfortunately, that is a stark reality,” continued Mme Fortin.
She emphasized that 35% of individuals benefiting from Moisson Québec’s emergency food services or those of its partners have incomes derived from either employment or long-term disability.