In Lachine since 1989

Eating well builds the future

Every day, the Relais Populaire cooks and serves healthy meals to children in Lachine and LaSalle schools, and equips families to eat well long after the bell rings.

Smiling girl holding a slice of melon
“Every act of love leaves a trace in the memory of the one who receives it.” Dany Laferrière, writer

248 717

meals cooked and served in 2025-2026

10

elementary schools served (Lachine and LaSalle)

864

meals delivered per day on average

+800

volunteer hours per year

1/3 of children

live in a household facing food insecurity

in Quebec today. School is often the first safety net.

we act, right here

Our mission

Children at the heart of everything we do

We offer breakfast and lunch programs, along with food literacy activities, in Lachine and LaSalle schools, because a well-fed child is a child who can learn, grow and truly thrive.

We are a people-first organization, at the crossroads of the social economy, community action and employment integration.

About us →

what we do, in practice

Three ways to nourish the future

Breakfast program

Starting the day right

In partnership with the Breakfast Club of Canada, nutritious mornings approved by nutritionists: milk cartons, fruit, oatmeal cookies, cheese and more.

Learn more →

Lunch program

A hot meal for everyone

With La Cantine pour tous, hot meals cooked here and delivered to school. Voluntary, anonymous contribution: every family pays what it can, with no stigma.

Learn more →

Relais roulant program

Learning to eat well

Our food literacy program: cooking workshops, educational activities and family support, at school and in the community.

Learn more →

Employment integration program participant at work in the kitchen

Social mission · employment integration

Our kitchens: a springboard to meaningful work

Through the PAAS Action program, we welcome people who are far from the labour market into a caring space where they can move toward greater independence at their own pace. Working here gives meaning to every day.

Discover our social mission →

voices from here

What people say about us

[…] On behalf of the Paul-Jarry team, I want to highlight your incredible work with schools and children in need. […]

Claudine LaroseGrade 2 teacher — École Paul-Jarry, Lachine

Hello everyone!

I’m taking advantage of Aline’s message to thank each and every one of you for the excellent service we received from you. On behalf of the Paul-Jarry team, I want to highlight your incredible work with schools and children in need.

Thank you, Caroline, for your follow-up with Aline and all your work with the schools!
Thank you, Judith, for supporting the wonderful team that is the Relais!
Thank you, Claude, for your outstanding service during deliveries! Take care of yourself!
Thank you to Thomas and your partner for stepping in. You were incredible!
Thank you, Jessy, for your involvement. Once again, the students loved the fruit-skewer workshop!
Thank you as well to the Relais Populaire kitchen team, who made treats for our students!
Thank you, Aline, for your attention to detail in distributing the snacks! We’re lucky to have you!

I wish you all a wonderful end of the school year and a great summer! Take some time for yourselves!
See you in the fall!

Warm regards,

Claudine Larose
Grade 2 teacher
École Paul-Jarry, Lachine

Claudine LaroseGrade 2 teacher — École Paul-Jarry, Lachine

[…] Every morning, thanks to your commitment, our students arrive at school with a lighter mind and a calmer heart, knowing a breakfast awaits them. […]

Marie-Andrée Durand BurgoynePrincipal — École Paul-Jarry

On behalf of the entire École Paul-Jarry community, we wish to express our deep gratitude to the Breakfast Club of Canada.

Every morning, thanks to your commitment, our students arrive at school with a lighter mind and a calmer heart, knowing a breakfast awaits them. This seemingly simple gesture has an immense impact: children who are more focused, more ready to learn, and above all, children who feel supported and valued.

Your presence directly helps create a caring, inclusive environment where everyone can start the day on an equal footing. For many of our students, this moment is far more than a meal: it’s an anchor, a moment of human warmth and an essential safety net.

We also want to extend a very special thank-you to Ms. Judith Poulin, Executive Director of the Relais Populaire, for her exceptional involvement. By preparing delicious homemade snacks and rigorously organizing their delivery, she contributes concretely to our students’ daily well-being. Her dedication and generosity make a real difference in their lives and greatly enrich our school.

Our staff see the positive effects of your support every day: a calmer classroom climate, more engaged students and a school community nourished by solidarity.

Thank you for making a real difference in the lives of our students and our school. Your contribution has a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful.

With all our gratitude,
Marie-Andrée Durand Burgoyne, Principal, École Paul-Jarry

Marie-Andrée Durand BurgoynePrincipal — École Paul-Jarry

Justine Briand, a volunteer at Le Relais Populaire, shares how her commitment to our mission nourishes her happiness. (in French)

Community ties

A network of partners who multiply our impact

Schools, foundations, businesses and organizations: together, we guarantee dignified access to quality food.

Breakfast Club of Canada
La Cantine pour tous
Desjardins
Centre de services scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys
Borough of Lachine, City of Montréal
Government of Quebec

the Relais blog

Recipes, news and food security

All articles →

a small gesture, a big meal

$10 = 2 hot meals for a child

Secure donation via Zeffy: 100% of your donation goes to the Relais Populaire, with no platform fees. Automatic tax receipt.

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you may be wondering…

Frequently asked questions

What is the Relais Populaire’s mission?

Le Relais Populaire is a non-profit organization that ensures food security for children in Lachine and the surrounding area, while supporting parents in their responsibility to feed their children well.

How does the school lunch program work?

In collaboration with La Cantine pour tous, we prepare hot meals every day, delivered directly to schools. The program runs on a voluntary, anonymous contribution model: every family pays what it can, with no stigma.

How can I donate to the Relais Populaire?

Donations are processed securely by Zeffy, with no platform fees: 100% of your donation goes to the organization. You can give once or monthly, as an individual or a business, with an automatic tax receipt.

How do I become a volunteer?

Volunteers take part in every step of feeding Lachine’s children: portioning, meal preparation, tray assembly and cleaning. Sign up on the Volunteering page: your time is valued here.

Corporate giving

Become a partner

Leave us your contact details and we’ll propose a partnership tailored to your business.

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