Local Chocolatier raises over $25,230 to support academic success and fight food insecurity 

Sophie Demers

Rochef Chocolatier, together with BASE Food Bank, raised a total of $25,230 as part of their campaign, “A Full Stomach at School is the Base.” The funds will go directly to providing children in the region access to nutritious snacks and meals.

BASE Food Bank will work with the Centre de services scolaires des Portages-de-l’Outaouais (CSSPO) to provide students across 42 schools with an average of 822 meals and 602 snacks a month. The project fights food insecurity in the community and promotes equal opportunity and educational success.

The fundraiser was conducted in partnership with local merchants where the public was able to make donations and be entered in a draw for a 2 kg chocolate bunny. The local businesses that participated include Club d'eau Plus - Odessa, La Trappe à fromage (Gatineau, Hull, Aylmer, Chelsea), IGA stores (IGA Famille Charles, IGA Famille Déziel, IGA Famille Plamondon), Saveurs - Épicerie Urbaine, Bobino Bagels, Maison Oddo, Don Floriano, and Boutique Rochef.

“We’re absolutely thrilled! The generosity of the community and the involvement of so many local businesses, all coming together for the school meal program,” said a representative from the BASE Food Bank team in a social media statement. “It means the world to us—we truly appreciate it. We’re so grateful. Thank you, Rochef Chocolatier, for this wonderful initiative!”