Montréal, April 15, 2016 - Metro and Équiterre are happy to renew their association, which once again this year will support the distribution of baskets of vegetables grown and prepared by farms that are certified organic or in the process of becoming certified, all members of the Équiterre network of family farmers. In all, 45 Metro and Super C stores throughout Quebec will welcome farmers and members of this program, promoting local farming, into their parking lots every week.
This unique partnership between Metro and Équiterre was set up 5 years ago for the purpose of making it easier to access locally grown organic food, by creating practical and accessible drop-off points for subscribers. At the same time, it provides participating Metro and Super C merchants with an opportunity to offer a complementary service to their clientele thanks to Quebec farms, an increasing number of which are opting for a drop-off point at Metro (30 in 2015 to 45 in 2016). This community and culinary experience, providing greater access to fresh and local vegetables, free from pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, reaches 10 Quebec regions: Montreal, Mauricie, Montérégie, Centre-du-Québec, Eastern Townships, Quebec City, Lanaudière, the Laurentians, Chaudière-Appalaches and Laval.
Interested citizens must sign up directly with farmers by going to paniersbio.org to receive their basket every week of the season. They will pick it up in the parking lot of the participating Metro or Super C store of their choice. The content of the baskets varies according to the season’s progression. Citizens can sign up now and for as long as spots are available.
In keeping with the spirit of the Local Purchasing Policy announced by Metro in May of 2013, this collaborative effort allows Metro to broaden the scope of its efforts aimed at supporting Quebec suppliers by directly linking the consumer to a farmer in their region. The agreement also fits in with Équiterre’s goal of contributing to the support and growth of local organic farming. In fact, Équiterre’s network of family farmers, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, provides the population with an opportunity to support a local organic farm, or in the process of becoming one, by buying vegetable baskets in advance. For more information about Équiterre’s network of family farmers and to find out where the various drop-off points are located, go to paniersbio.org.
Metro Inc.
With annual sales of over $12 billion, METRO INC. (TSX: MRU), founded in 1947, is the only major Canadian food distribution company to have its head office in Quebec. Along with its affiliates and franchisees, METRO INC. employs in Quebec and Ontario over 65,000 people, whose mission is to satisfy their customers every day and earn their-long term loyalty. METRO INC. operates a network of almost 600 food stores under several banners including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Food Basics, as well as over 250 drugstores under the Brunet, Metro Pharmacy and Drug Basics banners.
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Source:
Metro Inc. and Équiterre
Metro Media Relations:
Geneviève Grégoire
genevieve.gregoire@metro.ca
514 643-1000 ext 2055
Équiterre Media Relations:
Dale Robertson
drobertson@equiterre.org
514 605-2000