Civic engagement in the construction of alternative food supplies: the case of Montreal

Justification of research project

In Montreal, a growing number of food-related initiatives driven by social and environmental sustainability goals reflect an emerging food system transition. These initiatives rely heavily on direct citizen involvement—whether as volunteers, responsible consumers, founders, or urban gardeners—and reflect what is referred to as “food citizenship.” This partnership-based research, led by the UQAM Research Chair on Ecological Transition in collaboration with the Montreal Food System Council (Conseil SAM) and the Foundation of Greater Montreal (FGM), seeks to better understand the forms, values, and tensions associated with food citizenship in the Montreal context. The project is based on a qualitative methodology including interviews, an active steering committee, and a structured knowledge transfer plan. It produces valuable data for community, philanthropic, and institutional actors working toward the sustainable transformation of Montreal’s food system.

Research purpose

The aim of this research is to explore the nature and scope of food citizenship in Montreal by identifying the practices and initiatives through which it is expressed, understanding the values, motivations, and forms of engagement that drive individuals to participate, and analyzing the structural principles that shape and sustain these engagements. Through this analysis, the project seeks to deepen knowledge on how citizen-driven initiatives contribute to sustainable food system transformation and to provide insight for institutional, philanthropic, and community stakeholders seeking to support such efforts.

Research approach

• Literature review and development of the theoretical framework

• 25 semi-structured interviews with:

  • initiative leaders

  • involved community members and volunteers

  • responsible consumers

• Qualitative data analysis using NVivo and QDA Miner

• Active steering committee (FGM, SAM, UQAM):

  • 4 meetings planned to validate findings and build a knowledge transfer plan

• Knowledge mobilization strategy co-developed with partners (summaries, publications, presentations)