Our background

Au Panier de Chomedey was founded on July 14, 2014, thanks to the support and collaboration from partners of the Chomedey neighbourhood.
A little hop back in time will tell you more about our roots :

 

2000

Inception of Enfant d’Abord, organisation involved with food safety, particularly by distributing food in schools.

 

2007

Laval Food Safety consultation, organised by the Comité d’Action en Sécurité Alimentaire de Laval. Discovery of an approach resembling a solidarity grocery that can facilitate activities worthy of a lively environment. (Workshops, cafés, etc.)  To Enfant d’Abord, this testimony provides food for thought !

 

2008

Establishment of a community food assistance service by Enfant d’Abord. Several methods of operation are tested over the years to respond to the increasing needs of a very food insecure neighbouring community.

 

2013

  • Various round tables in Chomedey noticed the followings: food needs are increasing and existing services tend to disappear due to lack of funding. On the other hand, Enfant d’Abord calls on partners of the area, within the Comité de Développement de Chomedey, (CDLC – Local Neighbourhood Table), to support the community food assistance service which does not benefit from any financial aid.
  • The CDLC decides to go ahead and study the possibility of establishing a solidarity grocery in the area : The CDLC files a request for financial aid with the Conférence Régionale des Élus de Laval (Laval Regional Conference of Elected Officials).
  • On October 27, a project manager is hired to assess the feasibility of the project and set it up if applicable. Enfant d’Abord becomes administrator of the project.

2014

  • A market study  is carried out, involving citizens in order to better understand their dietary patterns and their difficulties.  The study confirms the interest in the solidarity grocery.  On July 14, Au Panier de Chomedey is officially founded.
  • September 1st : Enfant d’Abord’s food assistance service is back ; 44 families benefit from a lower cost grocery each month.   The service is then transferred to Au Panier de Chomedey.
  • November 24th : Formed General Assembly and adoption of the By-Laws.

2015

  • March 23rd : The solidarity grocery opens its doors for 1½ each week and 60 products on its shelves.
  • April 13th : Official opening of the grocery.
  • June : The number of families assisted by the food assistance service goes from 44 to 52 !
  • June 22nd : 1st Annual General Meeting.
  • August : The number of families assisted by the food assistance service goes from 52 to 60 !
  • October 22nd : Launching of the café-citoyen activity (Coffee-house), in partnership with the CDLC.