By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In a determined effort to combat food insecurity in the Eastern Townships, Moisson Estrie has emerged as a key player in the innovative Viande Solidaire project, which leverages local resources to provide affordable, high-quality meat to food aid organizations. 

Director Christian Bibeau of Moisson Estrie spoke passionately about the project during a recent interview, emphasizing its significance in maintaining community trust and ensuring food quality. “The day Moisson Estrie distributes poor-quality food, we risk losing the trust of the population—and our reputation,” Bibeau stated firmly. He highlighted that over 83 per cent of the organization’s funding relies on community donations, making transparency and quality essential.

Transforming challenges into solutions 

The Viande Solidaire project, launched in 2020 by the Centre d’action bénévole de la MRC de Coaticook, repurposes “fragilized animals”—livestock deemed unsuitable for commercial markets due to minor injuries, age, or reduced productivity. These animals, while unsellable under traditional systems, provide perfectly consumable meat, which is distributed to regional food banks under strict regulatory conditions. 

“This approach not only reduces food waste but also injects money into the local economy,” Bibeau explained. Farmers benefit from contributing livestock that would otherwise be a financial loss, while food aid organizations gain access to affordable protein. For example, ground beef produced through the program is packaged in small portions for individual use and bulk formats for community organizations, such as school lunch programs and senior meal services. 

Growing partnerships and funding 

The project has recently expanded, thanks to significant contributions from Centraide Estrie and Centraide Richelieu-Yamaska, which collectively pledged $195,000 over three years. Their support aims to scale the project’s operations, enabling it to reach an estimated 120 organizations across the region. “This partnership represents a vital step forward in addressing food insecurity,” said Caroline Lippé, Director General of Centraide Richelieu-Yamaska, in a related press release. 

The project’s circular economy model, which involves local slaughterhouses and agricultural partnerships, has already distributed over 8,500 pounds of meat since its inception. In addition to alleviating hunger, the initiative has achieved environmental gains, cutting 37 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions.

Broad community impact 

Moisson Estrie collaborates closely with other organizations, including SOS Dépannage Moisson Granby, to ensure efficient distribution. “This is about more than just food aid—it’s about strengthening networks and supporting local farmers,” said Bibeau. He explained how the project prioritizes helping various organizations meet their unique needs, from preparing large-scale meals for schools to delivering food to seniors. 

Caroline Falcão, a communications advisor for Centraide Estrie, noted the broader implications of the project. “It’s a win-win situation—supporting local farmers, reducing food waste, and providing essential proteins to vulnerable communities,” she said in an email. 

Sustaining momentum 

Bibeau and his team remain committed to ensuring the program’s long-term success. As Viande Solidaire continues to grow, it promises to play a pivotal role in addressing food insecurity across the region. 

“It’s a matter of trust and community,” Bibeau said. “When we explain these things clearly, people understand the value of what we’re doing.” 

For more information about Centraide Estrie’s involvement, visit their website at www.centraideestrie.com