About us
A people-first organization, rooted in Lachine since 1989
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.
Judith Poulin, Executive Director
our mission
Guaranteeing dignified access to quality food
In Quebec, nearly one in five people now lives with food insecurity, and families with children are not spared (Observatoire québécois des inégalités, 2023). At a time when school budgets are shrinking and Canada remains the only G7 country without a national school food policy, access to healthy food for all Quebec children still rests on a patchwork of local initiatives rather than a true universal safety net. It’s a challenge we cannot meet alone: it takes the commitment of every community organization, every volunteer and every donor who chooses to make a difference, one meal at a time.
We carry out this mission through three complementary programs:
- Breakfast program In collaboration with the Breakfast Club of Canada.
- Lunch program In collaboration with La Cantine pour tous.
- The Relais roulant Brings together all our food literacy and family support activities.
what guides us
Our four values
Children
Children are at the heart of everything the Relais Populaire does. This value leads us to work closely with schools and community partners, and shows in our food choices and in targeted actions as close to children as possible.
Volunteering
The Relais Populaire recognizes the invaluable worth of volunteer commitment. We create an inclusive, warm environment where everyone can contribute according to their abilities, develop new skills and build connections.
Inclusion
We believe everyone deserves to have a place, to feel useful and to be able to contribute to community life. This value is reflected in our recruitment programs and in a safe environment built on autonomy and trust.
Efficiency
Rigorous attention to optimizing purchases, reducing food waste, continuously improving our processes, training our teams and developing strategic partnerships that extend our reach.
our history
From a neighbourhood kitchen to a key player in food security
1989
The birth of a neighbourhood kitchen
The Relais Populaire is born in Lachine, on the initiative of a Catholic nun determined to feed the neighbourhood’s children.
1990s
First partnerships with schools
The organization builds lasting ties with Lachine’s elementary schools.
2010s
Structuring the programs
Development of the breakfast and lunch programs and of social support.
2022-2023
132,797 meals served
Demand climbs: more than 100,000 meals (lunches and breakfasts) were distributed over the year.
2023-2024
157,407 meals served
Sustained growth as food insecurity worsens in Quebec.
2024-2025
175,401 meals, a record year
The highest total since the organization was founded, in seven Lachine elementary schools.
2026
A new face
Launch of a modernized website and rollout of the Relais roulant program to go beyond the plate.
→ Scroll the timeline horizontally. Hold Shift and use your mouse wheel.
the faces of the Relais
Our team
Seven dedicated employees, supported by PAAS Action program participants, an intern and more than twelve active volunteers.
Administration
In the kitchen
José Ferrer-Camps
Head of Food Production Operations
Claude Ménard
Delivery Driver
Eddy Dubois
Kitchen Attendant
Adja Fatou Ba
Kitchen assistant
Thomas Riendeau
Delivery assistant
Governance
Board of directors
Six volunteer directors oversee the organization. The board met seven times over the past year.
Jean-Pierre Amesse
Chair
Retired from the education sector
Karina Nardi
Secretary
Communications and marketing strategist
Pierre Lussier
Treasurer
Chartered Professional Accountant
Dimitri Espérance
Director
Founder and CEO of Ti frais
Sylvie Blake
Director
Retired from Bell Canada and active volunteer
Nadine Rabatel
Director
School-community worker