The Coop solidarité du Suroît (CSUR) has received a $250,000 grant from the provincial government to help the organization establish a food center for the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region. 

It is being touted as a place where people, hotels, restaurants and institutions will be able to stock up on fresh and processed local products year-round. The centre will also have a bold and distinctive brand image to help promote products to the public.

Food producers will have access to temporary storage services, marketing and human resources, and have commercial space to welcome and provide customers and the general public with quality products. 

The initiative was chosen by a regional committee which created the initiative based on the development priorities within the region. Several other spinoffs are also being planned. 

Marilyne Picard, the provincial CAQ MNA for Soulanges, said the financial contribution will greatly benefit the region.

"This is a great initiative. It's the citizens and businesses within our region who will benefit from it. I can't wait to see this new local market become a reality," said Picard.

"I thank the promoters who invested in this program to help with its creation and eventual implementation," she added. 

Picard made the announcement on behalf of Andrée Laforest, the provincial Minister of Municipal Affairs as part of the regional outreach support component of the government's Regions and Rurality Fund. 

“This government initiative gives elected regional officials the means to fulfill their ambitions to carry out innovative projects that will make their region even more attractive," said Laforest.

"The financial support we are providing through this program will also help tremendously to promote this beautiful region," said Laforest.