Ana Luiza Torres Castelete – Contributor 

On Friday, Feb. 20, Bishop’s University students rolled up their sleeves at Moisson Estrie in Sherbrooke to immerse themselves in the fight against food insecurity. In a partnership with Bishop’s OUI Experience, the visit blended community engagement and social work with language immersion, offering students the chance to practice French while helping with the daily routine of the organization. 

Image courtesy of Ana Luiza Torres Castelete

Founded in 1998, Moisson Estrie operates as a regional food bank that supplies local community organizations with food assistance. The nonprofit collects donations from supermarkets and local producers and redistributes them to families experiencing food insecurity across the Sherbrooke area. Its facility includes large storage areas, industrial refrigerators and freezers for perishable goods, and a kitchen space designed to reduce waste and maximize the impact of donations. Moisson Estrie’s work forms part of a broader collective effort to strengthen food security in the region. 

Junior Luis, coordinator of volunteer activities at Moisson Estrie, welcomed the Bishop’s group and introduced them to the organization’s mission. He encouraged students to embrace both the social and linguistic dimensions of the experience. Under his supervision, two students sorted non-perishable items, carefully checking expiration dates and organizing cereals, canned goods and hygiene products. The rest of the group worked in the fresh food section, cleaning and preparing potatoes for immediate distribution. 

Each task demanded attention and cooperation. Through these seemingly simple actions, students witnessed the logistical care required to ensure food reaches those who need it most. Their work formed part of a broader collective effort to strengthen food security in the region. 

The activity unfolded entirely in French, creating a real-world immersion experience. Elisa, an international student from India, described the afternoon as her first volunteer experience in Canada. “At the beginning, it was challenging because I’m still learning French,” she said. “But everyone was patient and welcoming, and by the end, I felt much more comfortable speaking,” Elisa added that she left feeling fulfilled, not only for contributing to a meaningful cause, but also for noticing tangible progress in her language skills. 

For Bishop’s students, the afternoon at Moisson Estrie connected linguistic theory to practice. Their experience demonstrated that volunteerism extends beyond charity; it functions as a formative and reciprocal exchange. By engaging directly with the Sherbrooke community, students strengthened their French proficiency, developed collaborative skills and deepened their understanding of social responsibility. 

The next volunteering event at Moisson Estrie is scheduled for Mar. 13. For students interested in participating in future opportunities with Moisson Estrie through the OUI Experience, keep an eye on the French Hub’s Instagram, where the linktree is already available.