During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals came together to try to end the food desert that has persisted for more than two decades in Saint-Henri, a neighbourhood in Montréal. Based on the experiences of the members of the La DAL Collective, this article offers a critical reflection on the issues surrounding the development of grassroots projects. After a brief history of the challenges encountered by the Collective, we present their search for a balance that allows the self-managed project to take shape. We then suggest ways for communities to support the development of local grassroots initiatives.