Published on June 23, 2025
Petits Ambassadeurs Accreditation: Eating Local Starts Young!
Embracing locavorism is just as good for children as it is for adults! The Petits ambassadeurs accreditation was created to introduce young Quebecers to the many regional flavors and the freshness that local foods have to offer.
Originally developed in 2016 by the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Agri-Food Table, the Petits ambassadeurs project has since expanded province-wide and now includes 72 educational childcare centers across Québec.
Through an accreditation agreement, participating centers commit to meeting a maximum percentage of regional and Québec food sourcing across 10 food categories. They also pledge to offer at least two educational activities per year related to the agri-food sector, such as gardening sessions, cooking workshops, or seasonal agrotourism outings (apple, squash, or berry picking, for example).
Led by the Regroupement des Tables de concertation bioalimentaire du Québec (TCBQ) in 15 regions of the province, the success of this accreditation relies on strategic networking with regional agri-food businesses. The project also supports the goals of Québec’s National Strategy for the Purchase of Québec Foods (SNAAQ), announced in fall 2020, which aims to increase the share of local, healthy, and eco-responsible foods purchased by public institutions.
“At CPE Boute-en-train – La P’tite gare St-Roch, educators are deeply committed to buying local and are highly motivated to organize educational activities with the little ones around local foods,” says Mélissa Cloutier, food service manager at the center in Saint-Roch-de-l’Achigan, Lanaudière. This newly accredited Petits ambassadeurs center proudly sources from numerous regional producers and suppliers. “We also have our own garden with herbs and various vegetables. The children help maintain the garden and are curious about foods like lettuce, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and beans. They’re even more fascinated when they see them on their plates at mealtime,” she adds.
At the other Boute-en-train location, La P’tite gare St-Esprit, the passion for local products is just as strong. “In recent years, we’ve made many changes to our sourcing. We went from two to ten regional suppliers in a short time. It required a lot of organization at first, but it was very motivating!” says Manon Deblois, food services manager. “We are very well supported by the Petits ambassadeurs project. The regional project manager refers us to new local suppliers, helps us find specific products, and provides valuable advice. We’re lucky to have such support.”
A Winning Collaboration
Any educational childcare center accredited as Petits ambassadeurs is automatically recognized by the Aliments du Québec au menu program. Sharing the same mission, this recognition program—open to all types of institutions—encourages sourcing from businesses across the province, while Petits ambassadeurs focuses specifically on regional offerings within early childhood education.
“We at Aliments du Québec are very proud to contribute to this meaningful project,” says Mathilde Laroche-Bougie, senior coordinator of the Aliments du Québec au menu program. “The collaboration between the Petits ambassadeurs accreditation and our program strengthens support for institutions across all regions in their local sourcing efforts. This partnership puts Québec businesses and their products front and center, aligning with our objective of promoting Québec’s agri-food companies. We are especially proud that this initiative reaches the next generation. We also want to highlight the incredible work of childcare staff—raising awareness and sparking curiosity about local foods among young children is truly admirable.”
In addition to working closely with the Association québécoise des CPE and Équiterre, the Petits ambassadeurs project benefits from the support of more than 80 multisectoral partners across Québec.
An Exceptional Mobilization
Becoming accredited as Petits ambassadeurs not only ensures healthy, local meals for young children but also facilitates local sourcing and strengthens connections between childcare centers and regional producers. By also becoming members of Aliments du Québec au menu, childcare centers benefit from the many advantages of the program, including support in finding new provincial partners and suppliers, assistance in identifying local products, and promotion within the program’s network.
“At CPE Plumeau-Soleil, we are proud to support local market gardeners. Since adding these delicious regional products to the menu, children are eating much more vegetables! The Petits ambassadeurs accreditation is a source of pride for us, allowing children in our community to discover new flavors, textures, and beautiful local products,” says Stéphanie Fréchette, Executive Director of the CPE in Centre-du-Québec. “We encourage other centers to follow suit in adopting local sourcing practices for the health, environmental, and economic benefits they bring to the region!”
How to Obtain Petits Ambassadeurs Accreditation
To receive support and accreditation, childcare centers simply need to contact the agri-food coordination table in their region. Its role is to facilitate connections between food businesses and educational childcare services… so that little ones can enjoy delicious local foods!
