In a bold protest against soaring food prices, a group of activists in Montreal adopted the persona of Robin Hood, a legendary outlaw known for his acts of defiance against the wealthy. On Tuesday night, they donned feathered caps and, in a scene reminiscent of the 1938 film 'The Adventures of Robin Hood,' they raided a local health food store, Rachelle Béry, and distributed the stolen goods to various community fridges across the city. This action was part of a larger movement, 'Robins des Ruelles' (Robins of the Alleys), which has been making headlines for its unconventional tactics.
The group's statement, attributed to a member named Francis, highlights the harsh reality of rising living costs. Francis said, 'Everyday, we work tirelessly, only to struggle to afford food in profit-driven supermarkets. When two jobs are insufficient to meet basic needs, every means become a legitimate strategy.' This sentiment reflects the growing frustration among Canadians, where inflation has surged by 4.7% between November 2024 and 2025, according to CBC, CNN's Canadian broadcast partner.
The video, shared by Les Soulèvements du Fleuve on Instagram, captures the moment when masked individuals swiftly navigate through the store, gathering essential items like food, medicine, and soap. They also spray-paint security cameras, both inside and outside the store, to prevent surveillance. The video concludes with a defiant message, 'F**k Les Profits,' painted on a brick wall, symbolizing their stance against corporate greed.
The Montreal Police have initiated an investigation into the theft and the graffiti, with no injuries reported and no arrests made so far. The estimated value of the stolen goods is in the thousands of dollars, according to both the police and the Robins des Ruelles. The group's previous action, in December, involved a similar strategy, where they dressed as Santa Claus and his elves and stole food, leaving some items gift-wrapped under a Christmas tree, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing debate on living costs and economic disparities.
