A new initiative in the Eastern Townships is introducing children to the taste of locally grown food, helping them connect with the agricultural landscape around them. The program, Les Petits ambassadeurs, is being implemented in 22 early childhood centres, where local produce is now featured on menus, and children are involved in hands-on agricultural activities. This effort is part of a coordinated initiative by the Conseil de l’industrie bioalimentaire de l’Estrie (CIBLE).
The program first launched in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and aims to increase the use of local products in public institutions like kindergartens. Johanick Riendeau, Executive Director of CIBLE, explained the goal of the initiative: “They wanted to find a way to bring more local produce to places like kindergartens and other public institutions.”
Estrie is the 15th region to adopt this initiative. Initially, 17 early childhood centres were reported as participants, but the number has since grown to 22, Riendeau clarified. “It started with 17 centres, but now it’s more like 22. Out of those, at least six are already certified,” she said.
To earn certification, centres must meet seven out of ten local sourcing requirements in areas such as vegetables, fruits, dairy, and protein. Additionally, they are required to host at least two educational activities each year focused on food. These activities could include inviting a farmer to visit the centre or organizing farm trips. “These two activities are crucial for the children’s educational experience,” Riendeau added.
While the idea of “local food” can be hard for young children to grasp, the program aims to teach them about food production. “The goal is to teach them how to grow things like tomatoes or pumpkins,” said Riendeau.
The program’s impact extends beyond the children, reaching their families as well. Riendeau noted, “Parents do the grocery shopping, so by teaching the kids, we’re also educating the adults.”
Riendeau commended the participating centres for their commitment, especially given the challenges they face. “They have to work with tight budgets,” she said. “It’s easier to buy from big suppliers like GFS or Sysco than from smaller local businesses. But these centres believe in supporting local and keeping money within the community.”
