FAQ

What is Carte Proximité?

The Carte Proximité is a prepaid card distributed for free to households experiencing food insecurity. It is a seasonal program running from July 1 to October 31. The card is reloaded on the first of each month during the program period. It can be used as a payment method at participating merchants to purchase food.

The Carte Proximité aims to improve access to healthy food for everyone and to encourage short-chain supply. The program is structured around Quebec’s main vegetable growing season.

By using the Carte Proximité, you help strengthen the local economy. By choosing products grown in Quebec, you support local producers while enjoying fresh, tasty, and seasonal food!

On this page, find answers to the following questions:

How do I get a Carte Proximité?

  1. Find the organizations distributing the Carte Proximité in your area.
  2. Contact the organization in early April. Registration for the program takes place between the beginning of April and the end of May each year.
  3. Depending on your eligibility for the program, the partner organization will guide you through the next steps of the registration process.
Program eligibility

To participate in the program, you must:

  • Be experiencing food insecurity;
  • Be 18 years of age or older.

Partner organizations may have additional eligibility criteria. We use a system based on self-declaration and trust. No proof of income will be requested.

If there is no organization distributing the card in your area, contact Carrefour Solidaire at 514-525-6611 ext 1.

Currently, demand for the Carte Proximité exceeds available funding. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee that you will receive a Carte Proximité.

For the annual Carte Proximité program, see this section.

How do I use the Carte Proximité?

  1. Find participating merchants near you and check their hours of operation.
  2. Do your shopping and present the Carte Proximité at the checkout as your payment method.
  3. Check your card balance at the register or on the Tomat platform by scanning your card’s QR code (no account required).
Good to know

You must present your Carte Proximité at every transaction. Your physical card must be scanned on-site to make a transaction.

Where can I use the Carte Proximité?

Use the card at participating merchants. The network includes about 100 retail locations, such as community markets, farmers’ stands, and community grocery stores. These merchants are selected for their commitment to sourcing local products.

The map of partner merchants is available here. A participation kit is provided with your Carte Proximité, which includes a list of partner merchants and their contact information.

Good to know

Merchants may have opening and closing dates that differ from those of the program. Some merchants may close before the program ends. Check the merchant map or your newsletter regularly for updates on operating dates.

What can I buy with the Carte Proximité?

You can purchase any food items sold by participating vendors. You’ll find a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and other local products. The selection of food varies from market to market, and the variety of items changes depending on what’s in season in Quebec.

Participating vendors are committed to sourcing their products from local producers. Take this opportunity to discover local and seasonal products, and support our producers!

To find out when local and seasonal fruits and vegetables are in season, check the Mangez Québec harvest calendar (in French only).

How much money is on the Carte Proximité?

The monthly amount loaded onto the card varies depending on the size of your household. We count the number of people who live in your household on a regular basis, and only those with whom you share food:

  • $50/month for a single person
  • $75/month for 2 people
  • $100/month for 3 people
  • $125/month for 4 or more people

How does the seasonal program work?

The seasonal program runs from July 1 to October 31. On the first day of each month, your card will be automatically reloaded with the amount allocated to you. Payments are made on July 1, August 1, September 1, and October 1.

Using Your Carte Proximité

You must start using the card before September 1. If you have not used your card by September 1, it will be canceled and the funds will be given to someone else.

You must use all the funds on your Carte Proximité by October 31. The card becomes invalid after this date, and the funds will no longer be available on your card.

Depending on your region, the program’s start and end dates may vary. Do you live in Pointe-aux-Trembles, Outaouais, Lac-Brome, Frelighsburg or Lanaudière? Check with your distributing organization for payment details.

Recommendation

Use the monthly amount each month. You’ll enjoy the freshness and variety of seasonal foods, and help merchants plan their inventory.

Good to know

Merchants may have opening and closing dates that differ from the program dates. Some merchants close before the program ends. Check the merchant map or your newsletter regularly for updates on operating dates.

How does the annual program work?

An annual program is available in certain areas. It runs from November 1 through October 31 of the following year. Payments are made on the first of each month for a period of 12 months.

Currently, the annual program is available in four areas: Centre-Sud, served by Carrefour Solidaire; Pointe-Saint-Charles, served by Share The Warmth; Saint-Henri, served by DESTA Black Community Network; and Mercier, served by Escale Famille Le Triolet, Frigo de l’Est, and Projet Harmonie.

To express your interest, contact the partner organization in early September. Registration for the annual program takes place in September each year.

Using Your Carte Proximité

You must begin using the card before February 1. If you have not used your card by February 1, it will be canceled and the funds will be allocated to another person.

You must use all the funds on your Carte Proximité by October 31. The card becomes invalid after this date, and the funds will no longer be available on your card.

New

Do you live in Chomedey, Laval? Starting in 2026, the annual program will be in place in partnership with Au Panier. Express your interest to the organization during the month of April. The program runs from July 1 through June 30 of the following year.

How do I know how much is left on my card?

There are two ways to find out how much is left on your card:

  • By asking a store employee at checkout
  • By checking your account on the Tomat platform (no login required)

What happens to the remaining balance on my card?

During the program, any remaining balance on the card at the end of a month is carried over to the following month. The balance on your card is available until the end of your participation period.

You must use all the funds on your Carte Proximité by October 31. The card becomes invalid after this date, and the money will no longer be available on your card.

Depending on your region, the program’s end date may vary. Do you live in Pointe-aux-Trembles, Chomedey (Laval), Outaouais, Lac-Brome, Frelighsburg or Lanaudière? Please contact your distributing organization for payment terms.

Recommendation

We strongly recommend using the monthly amount each month. Using your card regularly helps the program run smoothly: you enjoy the freshness and variety of seasonal foods, and help merchants plan their inventory.

Good to know

Merchants may have opening and closing dates that differ from the program dates. Some merchants close before the end of the program. Check the merchant map or your newsletter regularly for updates on operating dates.

What happens if I lose my card?

Notify the organization that issued your card as soon as possible, or contact Carrefour Solidaire at 514-525-6611 ext. 1.

We will try to provide you with a replacement card. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to replace a lost card.

Keep your card safe! Only your physical card is accepted for transactions.

I meet the eligibility criteria but wasn’t selected—why?

Currently, demand for the Carte Proximité exceeds available funding.

This program is not a public policy measure, and funding varies from year to year. Current funding allows for the distribution of a limited number of Carte Proximité cards per organization. That is why the team is actively working to secure new funding to reach more people.

I need food assistance but don’t have access to the Carte Proximité—what should I do?

Partner community organizations offer a variety of social and food services. Many provide low-cost meals, emergency assistance, or food bank services. Check the map of organizations in your area and contact them to learn about their services.

For a complete list of available services and resources, visit 211 online or call 211.

In Montreal, two food banks can assist you regardless of your postal code: Sun Youth and Mission Bon Accueil.

Any other questions?

Contact the community organization that provided you with the card or call Carrefour Solidaire (the project’s lead organization) at 514-525-6611 ext 1.

a project of

info@carteproximite.org

514-525-6611

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