The original press release was translated from French to English using an artificial intelligence-based translation platform.
Montreal, Quebec, December 11, 2025 – The Récolte-Don! program celebrates its 12th year of existence and announces that a total of 856,494 portions of vegetables will be distributed to the Food Banks of Quebec (BAQ) network for 2025. This achievement, made possible by the long-standing collaboration between the Quebec Processing Vegetable Growers (PLTQ), Nortera, and the BAQ, highlights the exceptional resilience and generosity of the Quebec agricultural community.
Despite difficult production conditions for growers, the solidarity of the participating farms has remained remarkable. The initial donations of harvested vegetables, primarily peas, green beans, and sweet corn, were then enhanced by the processor Nortera, which honored its commitment to double the portions offered by the farmers. Thanks to this collective effort, nearly a million portions could be shipped across the province, helping to meet the growing needs of the population facing food insecurity.
A Collective Force That Sows Hope for 12 Years
Since its launch in 2014, the Récolte-Don! program has distributed more than 7.6 million portions of vegetables to Quebecers in need. The 12th edition of this initiative once again illustrates the lasting and essential impact of this alliance. The program continues to assert itself as a pillar in the fight against food insecurity in Quebec, its impact being more crucial than ever.
"These donations are much more than numbers: they are a helping hand, a concrete gesture of mutual aid, and a promise of hope for thousands of families." — Pascal Forest, President of the PLTQ
Growers also share their pride and commitment:
"We must share when we have the opportunity to help someone." – Ferme Rojoie Inc.
"Allowing people in need to have access to a local commodity, produced with high-level environmental considerations." – Anonymous Donor
The vegetables donated by the growers are processed by Nortera, a leader in the sector, thus guaranteeing the distribution of healthy, sustainable, and local food items.
"At Nortera, our mission is to provide access to the richness of vegetables to as many people as possible, because mutual aid and the well-being of the community are deeply rooted in our values. We are proud to contribute by offering over 850,000 portions of nutritious and local vegetables, a support more crucial than ever for Quebec families facing food insecurity. Our sincere gratitude goes to the growers and the BAQ for their commitment. It is thanks to their exemplary collaboration that this essential program continues to exist." — Robert Deschamps, Agri-Industrial Director Quebec, Nortera
The Food Banks of Quebec (BAQ) is responsible for the equitable distribution of vegetables to the 18 Moisson members, who serve nearly 1,400 local organizations throughout Quebec.
"Despite a difficult context for agricultural production, the solidarity of Quebec's farmers is, once again, present, and that deeply touches us. We can count on the loyalty of the Quebec Processing Vegetable Growers and Nortera thanks to this unique initiative, which has been ongoing for 12 years now. This program makes a real difference in the lives of many Quebecers facing food insecurity and allows our network to offer them healthy, local, and nutritious food." — Martin Munger, Executive Director, Food Banks of Quebec
About Nortera
Nortera is a North American supplier of canned and frozen vegetables. The company operates 13 plants in Canada and the United States, where it processes and markets over 400,000 tons of vegetables annually, in collaboration with nearly 550 partners in the agricultural sector. It employs over 3,000 people in North America. Nortera is committed to making the benefits of vegetables accessible to the greatest number of people, producing for major private label and retailer brands while marketing its own brands, including Arctic Gardens and Del Monte in Canada. norterafoods.com
About the Quebec Processing Vegetable Growers (PLTQ)
Founded in 1974, the Quebec Processing Vegetable Growers group nearly 200 businesses that produce peas, beans, sweet corn, and cucumbers destined for processing. These productions are located in the Montérégie, Centre-du-Québec, and Rive-Nord regions. Since 1978, the PLTQ has administered the Joint Plan for Processing Vegetable Growers. The PLTQ's mission primarily consists of defending the economic interests of its growers, as well as working on the development of production and the marketing of vegetables intended for processing. Significant efforts are dedicated to agronomic research and the promotion of healthy eating. www.legumes-transformation.qc.ca
About Food Banks of Quebec (BAQ)
The Food Banks of Quebec (BAQ) network is present throughout Quebec with its 33 regional members, often called Moisson. These members ensure a supply of nutritious food items to nearly 1,400 community organizations that provide food aid to 600,000 unique individuals each month. Since 1988, BAQ has enabled the pooling of resources and expertise to counter food insecurity and relieve hunger among vulnerable populations. www.banquesalimentaires.org
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