In an effort to address the growing food needs of families in the Estrie region, Centraide Richelieu-Yamaska and Centraide Estrie are announcing their support for the innovative Viande Solidaire project. Centraide Estrie is committing $40,000 per year and Centraide Richelieu-Yamaska $25,000 per year, each for the next three years, bringing the total investment to $195,000.
Launched in 2020 by the Centre d’action bénévole de la MRC de Coaticook, the Viande Solidaire project provides a regular supply of animal protein to food aid organizations by using local resources and adopting a circular economy approach. This initiative has already distributed over 7,300 pounds of meat at reduced prices, while lowering the carbon footprint of food production with a reduction of 37 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent.
Supporting Food Aid Organizations
The funding from United Way Richelieu-Yamaska and United Way Estrie will enable the expansion of this successful project to other communities. Viande Solidaire addresses a pressing need as food insecurity continues to rise, particularly among youth and families in the Estrie, Brome-Missisquoi, and Haute-Yamaska regions. Collaborations with the Coaticook Regional Abattoir, the Estrie Union of Agricultural Producers (UPA), and local farms strengthen essential support networks to meet these needs. Additional partners are expected to join in the coming weeks to further advance this project.
« “We are proud to help expand the Viande Solidaire initiative throughout Estrie. Moisson Estrie and SOS Dépannage Moisson Granby will collaborate to manage logistics, ensuring meat is available to nearly 120 community organizations. This project not only prevents food waste but also supports local farmers while fighting hunger in Estrie, “says Gwladys Sebogo, Executive Director of Centraide Estrie.
« “This partnership between United Way Richelieu-Yamaska and United Way Estrie marks a significant step in the fight against food insecurity. Together, we are committed to building a sustainable support network for vulnerable families in the region, ” concludes Caroline Lippé, Executive Director of United Way Richelieu-Yamaska.
(Update – June 5, 2025)
Recently, Viande Solidaire made headlines with articles in Estrie Plus and Le Droit, highlighting the growing importance of the project in meeting the food needs of local communities. You can read these articles to learn more about the project’s impact and its recent developments.
Read the full story on Estrie Plus:
Viande Solidaire : enfin la fin du gaspillage alimentaire en Estrie – Estrie Plus
Read the full article in Le Droit:
Encore plus de viande redistribuée à bas prix à des organismes – Le Droit
The food crisis, worsened by rising prices, is affecting more and more families in our regions. Thanks to Viande Solidaire, many vulnerable families can access essential protein at an affordable price. This project reflects Centraide Richelieu-Yamaska’s commitment to supporting local initiatives that address the urgent needs of communities.
