Maria Diamantis, LJI journalist
Moisson Laurentides, a vital organization in the fight against food insecurity in the Laurentides region, has unveiled its plans for an innovative new event: Le Grand Bedon. Set for June 14, 2025, to coincide with World Hunger Day, this initiative aims to raise awareness about the pressing issue of food insecurity while fostering community engagement.
Recognizing the need for a new approach, Moisson Laurentides is shifting its focus away from the traditional large-scale food collections that have served the organization for years. As the organization grows and the demands on food banks increase, it became evident that traditional food drives, though effective, were no longer sufficient. This new event is designed to not only gather support but also to educate and unite the community in a more dynamic way.
Instead of a standard collection drive, Le Grand Bedon will feature a full day of interactive and family-friendly activities, designed to inform the public about food insecurity while promoting healthy lifestyles and community collaboration.
Addressing New Challenges in Food Security
With the rising demand for food assistance across the region, Moisson Laurentides has been exploring new methods to meet the needs of those facing hunger. The organization has seen an increase in the number of individuals and families turning to local food banks, including many who are facing this issue for the first time.
To address these challenges, the Grand Bedon event aims to go beyond the traditional food collection model, focusing on prevention, awareness, and community involvement. Through various engaging activities, the event will emphasize the importance of supporting local food banks while offering practical solutions for promoting food security.
A Festive Event for the Entire Region
The Grand Bedon will be a region-wide event, with activities planned across multiple communities in the Basses-Laurentides. These events will be open to people of all ages, offering a variety of activities to engage children, families, and individuals alike.
Blainville will serve as a central hub for the day’s activities, hosting events at the Equestrian Center, while the town of Saint-Eustache will highlight its local arts scene with the Route des arts, bringing together artists and community members in a celebration of creativity and local culture.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the day will be the Race Without Hunger, a fun competition where participants will customize grocery carts and race them through various courses. This imaginative and interactive event encourages participants to get involved in a lighthearted way while emphasizing the importance of food security. Schoolchildren will also take part in the event through a month-long collection campaign, culminating in a junior version of the cart race.
Innovative Solutions for Long-Term Impact
As an organization that plays a crucial role in redistributing food to those in need, Moisson Laurentides is constantly seeking new ways to make a greater impact in the region. Its efforts, which include partnerships with various local organizations, help provide millions of meals each year to families, seniors, and vulnerable individuals across the Laurentides.
Through Le Grand Bedon, Moisson Laurentides is not only striving to raise awareness but also to inspire long-term change. The event will focus on community education, fostering a deeper understanding of the causes and effects of food insecurity, while encouraging collective action.
The combination of creative activities, educational initiatives, and community involvement is what sets Le Grand Bedon apart from traditional food drives. By bringing people together in this way, Moisson Laurentides hopes to inspire lasting solutions to food insecurity, making the event a pivotal moment in its ongoing efforts to support those in need.
With widespread participation expected, Le Grand Bedon is poised to become a cornerstone event for the region, blending fun, awareness, and action in the fight against hunger.