Neighbourhood card program expands across Brome-Missisquoi
Pacte Brome-Missisquoi supports access to fresh food for people experiencing food insecurity
Cowansville, July 9, 2026 — The Brome-Missisquoi Regional County Municipality (RCM) is proud to announce, through the Pacte Brome-Missisquoi, funding for the expansion of the Neighbourhood Card Program, led by Marché Samedi Sutton in partnership with the Frelighsburg Public Market and the Lac-Brome Public Market. This innovative initiative provides people experiencing food insecurity with meaningful access to fresh, healthy food while fostering social inclusion and strengthening local communities.
A project that nourishes both people and community
The project provides prepaid cards (Carte Proximité) to individuals and families referred by community organizations and local schools. These cards can be used exclusively at the three participating public markets, giving beneficiaries access to fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and other nutritious foods that are not always available through food banks.
The weekly amount loaded onto each card is based on family size. Beyond improving food security, the initiative also promotes overall well-being. Public markets serve as welcoming community gathering places where people can connect, helping reduce social isolation and supporting mental health.
To avoid any stigma, the Neighbourhood Card is identical in appearance to the Solidarity Card, a prepaid card available for purchase by the general public. Regular market visitors can purchase a Solidarity Card and make a donation to support the program—a simple and discreet way for the community to contribute.
From a pilot project to a regional initiative
Originally launched in 2025 as a pilot project at Marché Samedi Sutton, the initiative demonstrated strong results. Building on that success, the program is expanding in 2026 to include the public markets in Frelighsburg and Lac-Brome, extending its reach across the entire Brome-Missisquoi region.
To make a donation or apply for a Proximity Card through a participating community organization, please contact:
- Dana Cooper – Sutton Farmers' Market: marchesuttonmarket@gmail.com
- Claire Citeau – Lac-Brome Farmers' Market: claire.citeau@lacbrome.ca
- Léa Richer-Leduc – Frelighsburg Farmers' Market: marchefrelighsburg@gmail.com
Official tax receipts are issued for donations of $500 or more.
Measurable goals
- Distribute 109 Neighbourhood Cards
- Reach up to 400 residents of Brome-Missisquoi each year
- Improve access to fresh food for families experiencing food insecurity
- Promote diversity and social inclusion within local public markets
- Encourage buying local and reinvesting in the regional economy
Financial support from the Brome-Missisquoi RCM
The Council of Mayors of the Brome-Missisquoi RCM has awarded $57,400 over three years to support this initiative through the Pacte Brome-Missisquoi. The project's total budget is $190,750, with additional funding provided by municipalities, local organizations, sponsors, and community donations.
"This project reflects our vision of a caring and resilient community. By combining food security, social inclusion, and support for the local economy, the Neighbourhood Card is much more than financial assistance—it is a tool that promotes dignity and strengthens social connections for the most vulnerable members of our community." — Sylvie Beauregard, Warden, Brome-Missisquoi RCM
About the Pacte Brome-Missisquoi
The Pacte Brome-Missisquoi is a funding program dedicated to addressing poverty, social inclusion, and the factors that contribute to vulnerability among Brome-Missisquoi residents. It supports initiatives that respond to key regional priorities, including food security, homelessness, transportation, anxiety and psychological distress, access to services, and the inclusion of marginalized populations, particularly immigrants and the region's English-speaking community.
About the participating public markets
Marché Samedi Sutton, the Frelighsburg Public Market, and the Lac-Brome Public Market are community-based public markets that showcase local farmers, food producers, and artisans. Through their participation in this initiative, they reaffirm their essential role in the social and economic vitality of Brome-Missisquoi.
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Sources :
Isabelle Paquette
Conseillère en communication
MRC de Brome-Missisquoi
450 266-4900, poste 241
ipaquette@mrcbm.qc.ca
For questions about the Carte Proximité program:
Dana Cooper
marchesuttonmarket@gmail.com