Published on September 1, 2025
Meeting the institutions that eat local
From September 22 to 28, 2025, as part of the 7th edition of the Institutions Eat Local! event, members of the Aliments du Québec team hit the road to meet committed institutions that, each in their own way, help showcase foods from here. This major annual celebration invites daycare centres, schools, cégeps, universities, workplaces, organizations, and health and social services institutions across Quebec to organize activities—big or small—to share the joy of cooking, tasting and celebrating Quebec products.
A 100% local plate at Villa Medica Rehabilitation Hospital
Villa Medica Rehabilitation Hospital in Montreal opened its doors for a tour of its food services and a lunch highlighting local producers: squash soup, greens with warm goat cheese, pulled pork, roasted squash, barley and kale. Earlier in the day, a delivery from L’Aube, pôle nourricier, offered a glimpse of fresh products grown by organic farms located less than 150 km from Montreal. A squash sale in the cafeteria rounded out the day, allowing everyone to take a little local flavour home.
“We are always excited to take part in the event every year! Lunch was a real success—the feedback was excellent, both in terms of quality and the generosity of the meal. And the squash sale sparked some great conversations and even a few recipe exchanges!” — Brigitte Lastrade, Director of Food Services
A day dedicated to apples at CHSLD Bourget
At CHSLD Bourget, located in the Pointe-aux-Trembles area of Montreal, residents were able to harvest Quebec apples themselves in a beautiful mini orchard created by the CHSLD team and volunteers. This creative and caring activity gave everyone a wonderful moment of connection and sharing. The afternoon continued with an apple dessert contest, where residents could indulge and vote for their favourite creation.
“The idea of simulated orchards is an initiative we are very proud of! It was designed to be accessible to all our residents. What a joy to see their faces light up as they picked their apples! A beautiful reminiscence activity, followed by a dessert contest that sparked some delicious competition.” — Sophie Perrier, Customer Service Manager
A gourmet tasting at Séminaire du Sacré-Cœur
At Séminaire du Sacré-Cœur, a high school in Grenville-sur-la-Rouge in the Laurentians region, participation in Institutions Eat Local! took the form of a themed meal prepared by Sodexo food services: pork tenderloin with local vegetables. The day also featured a tasting of local bakery, viennoiserie and pastry products from Bridor, much to the delight of students and staff.
CISSS de l’Outaouais: varied delights and creative activities
CISSS de l’Outaouais took part in the event by involving several of its facilities. At CHSLD de la Petite-Nation, a local-themed menu was featured: turnip and apple cream soup, apple-braised veal stew, chicken meatballs with sweet-and-sour sauce, potatoes and apple squares. Snacks also highlighted local flavours.
Photos of Villa Medica Rehabilitation Hospital and CHSLD Bourget by MarieMarine Photographie
Photo of Séminaire du Sacré-Cœur by Charlotte B.-Domingue
