Supporting the community: The Depot in Action

Food insecurity is a pressing issue in Quebec, with an increasing number of individuals and families struggling to meet their basic needs. Like many frontline community organizations, The Depot faces this reality every day. In fact, the demand for our emergency services has nearly tripled in just two years, and for the first time since our founding in 1986, we have had to implement a waiting list for our food bank.

This is why the Regroupement intersectoriel des organismes communautaires de Montréal (RIOCM) has launched a campaign aimed at our elected officials, and The Depot is actively involved. We are calling for an urgent increase in core funding for all community organizations supported by the Programme de soutien aux organismes communautaires (PSOC) from the Government of Quebec.

Currently, PSOC funding accounts for only 3.5% of The Depot’s annual budget. The RIOCM campaign highlights a shared challenge: non-recurring emergency funds are insufficient to provide long-term stability. Community organizations need consistent, mission-based funding to continue their essential work and break the cycle of food insecurity. We play a critical role in seeking solutions but face increased pressure due to inadequate and unstable funding.

Join us in advocating for increased funding for community organizations dedicated to food security. You can make a difference by signing the RIOCM campaign support form. Your voice is essential in calling for a more just and equitable food system where no one is left behind.

Together let’s continue to foster solidarity, care, and collective action in the face of these growing challenges.

Update on Friday Adjustments at the Resto Depot

We are pleased to share that the recent Friday adjustments at the Resto Depot have been beneficial for our organization. By suspending operations on that day, we have been able to focus on essential, often behind-the-scenes tasks, such as deep cleaning our facilities, registering new participants, and actively engaging in community roundtables. These efforts not only strengthen our connections but also allow us to better meet the growing needs of the community while maintaining our mission of providing access to healthy food for all.

Additionally, the reduced hours have contributed to a healthier work environment for our staff, which is crucial for maintaining our commitment to serve the community with the same commitment and dedication.

The Table - The Depot’s Monthly Giving Community

As we enter the giving season, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible monthly donors. Your support through The Table - a dedicated group of monthly givers—provides The Depot with a reliable stream of funding. This allows us to respond to emerging needs, plan for the future, and invest in long-term solutions to address food insecurity at its roots.

Meet Julia and John, who recently transitioned from annual to monthly giving. They share, "We chose to move to monthly donations to increase our financial commitment to The Depot. It was practical for us, and we knew that a recurring gift would be beneficial to the organization, especially during this time of tremendous need."

With 258 households now giving to The Depot monthly—an increase of 15% from last year—your donations account for nearly 20% of our individual donor revenue, ensuring we can consistently meet our participants’ needs. Thank you for helping us realize our vision of a thriving and connected community where nourishing food is accessible to all.