*4.1. Contribution to Food Security*

Le Grenier boréal contributes to the reduction in certain dimensions of food insecurity in Minganie, although it contributes, in particular, to the quality of the food, which is why the cooperative was created (Table 1). On the one hand, the cooperative's local production guarantees freshness, since it does not require traveling long distances for delivery or storage. On the other hand, the cooperative improves the diversity of the food offered. In addition to a better food quality, mobile food stands likewise contribute to food security, as they facilitate people's physical access to the fruits and vegetables produced. Indeed, in some places, the merchandise from the food stands was sold out in less than an hour [45].

**Table 1.** Contribution of Le Grenier boréal and Lufa Farms to food autonomy.



**Table 1.** *Cont.*

Lufa Farms facilitates access to healthy food for a portion of the population, mainly young people or members of the middle classes who wish to have access to food produced according to ethical guidelines for social justice (fair trade, among others) and standards that guarantee respect for the environment. Thus, in terms of urban agriculture, Lufa is a pioneering, innovative and ecological company. Lufa's experience opens up various perspectives in the fight against food insecurity. Reclaiming space for year-round food production, bringing food products closer to consumers, establishing partnerships with local producers and saving energy used in production, processing, preservation and distribution are some of the avenues to pursue. In addition, Lufa and its partners are implementing short food supply chains, which promote local food systems and reduce the food miles required to make food accessible to consumers. Finally, Lufa's customer relationship model has a significant educational dimension.

Due to its prototypical nature, Lufa is a true laboratory for reflection, self-training, experimentation with new knowledge and collective learning. The vision of urban agriculture that Lufa cultivates has implications for the entire community. The production of food through a system of short food supply chains that allow for a circular economy integrating Lufa Farms and local producers builds bridges between the urban and the rural. The promotion of local products is recognized as a means of supporting local agriculture and a contribution to environmental protection due to the reduction in energy used for transportation. Its distribution system brings consumers closer to the producers of the food they consume, which promotes consumer awareness of food production. In this way, it responds to the concerns expressed by various specialists regarding the effects of the industrial and globalized food system regarding the origin of food and the conditions in which it is produced. As practiced by Lufa Farms, urban agriculture contributes to sustainable cities and shows a way to increase food self-sufficiency in cities.
