First Grand Rassemblement: Together Today to Grow Tomorrow  

Two days to listen to one another, share on-the-ground realities, and work together to develop promising initiatives for children and school meals in Quebec. 

It was in this spirit that BCC brought together, for the very first time, some of its community partners in school meals on June 16 and 17. The event took place in Roberval, in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, for two days dedicated to exchange, inspiration, and collaboration. 

The Major Partner Gathering allowed six community organizations from different regions of Quebec to take a step back, share their experiences, and pool their realities and ideas to better collaborate and meet the needs of their communities. 

On the agenda: candid discussions, inspiring presentations, a tour of the SALSA (Local Food Security Access Service) facilities, and a convivial dinner with local elected officials who came to recognize the work of the community organizations. 

The overarching theme of these two days? “Together Today to Grow Tomorrow”. 

To reflect on this first gathering, we spoke with colleagues from Breakfast Club of Canada’s programs and collective engagement initiatives. 

What does the theme “Together Today to Grow Tomorrow” mean to you now that you’ve experienced the gathering? 

After experiencing these two days, the theme takes on its full meaning. The connections we’re building today, the knowledge we’re sharing, and the partnerships we’re developing are the foundations for an even greater impact on young people tomorrow. 

What was the energy like during those two days? 

It was positive, inspiring, and energizing. 

There was a real desire to share, learn, and reflect together on the future. The conversations were genuine, filled with kindness and a strong sense of belonging to a shared mission. 

What did you learn about the realities faced in different regions of Quebec? 

Above all, we learned just how much realities can vary from one region to another. Geographical remoteness, access to resources, and socioeconomic challenges can take very different forms. 

But despite these realities, we see great resilience and a remarkable capacity for innovation everywhere among the partners who work every day to support young people in their communities. 

How do these meetings strengthen collaboration between the Breakfast Club and its partners? 

These meetings help build trust and foster a better understanding of each other’s realities. They provide an opportunity to share what we’ve learned, pool our experiences, and identify new opportunities for collaboration. 

This also allows us to better align our efforts and explore even more effective ways to meet the needs of our communities. 

What is the most important lesson applied in your day-to-day work? 

The most lasting impact comes from collaboration. 

When we pool our expertise, experiences, and resources, we create stronger solutions that are better tailored to the needs of communities. It is this collective strength that inspires us to continue our work every day. 

This first Grand Rassemblement did much more than simply bring partners together in one place. It created a space to listen, learn from one another, recognize the work accomplished in communities, and collectively reflect on new ways to collaborate and take action. 

Because together, we can go further in meeting children’s needs and contributing to sustainable school meals in Quebec.