A Canada where no one goes hungry. That’s the vision of Food Banks Canada.
Since 2012, Walmart Canada has been working side-by-side with Food Banks Canada to raise food and funds in support of the over 2 million people facing food insecurity across Canada each month. Every store across the country is matched with a local food bank. Working together has resulted in more than 200 million meals donated through the Fight Hunger, Spark Change Campaign and the Retail Food Program. These campaigns help build awareness and momentum the fight against hunger, which needs our attention 365 days a year.
Donation before disposal
Walmart Canada helps to fight this battle in a number of ways, including leveraging our Walmart Canada’s fresh and frozen supply chain, operated by an army of dedicated store and distribution centre (DC) associates. Our sustainability team lives by the motto of ‘donation before disposal,’ whenever possible.
“Food recovery isn’t just about preventing loss—it’s an essential step toward a more sustainable, resilient food system,” said Erin McAllister, Director, National Food Acquisition, Food Banks Canada. “By embracing circularity and fostering collaboration across sectors, we maximize impact and move closer to a future where no one goes hungry.”
Last year Walmart stores donated approximately 11.6 million pounds of safe surplus food to local food banks nationally.
Collaborating with government to spark change
These food recovery collaborations go beyond retail and non-profit. Policy development and leadership from governments, specifically departments of environment, help inform and promote these important conversations with Canadians.
During a recent cross-Atlantic tour with Food Banks Canada, Walmart Canada was honoured to host two government leaders in environment and climate change at our stores to discuss sustainability programs, goals and community needs. Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change Minister Tim Halman visited store 3021 in Dartmouth and Newfoundland & Labrador Environment and Climate Change Minister Scott Reid visited store 3092 in St. John’s to learn about Walmart-specific programs with Food Banks Canada and share collective visions for a more sustainable future.
Government tours offer an opportunity for team members on both sides to share ideas, best practices and real-world challenges. “We really appreciate the open and frank conversations with Ministers and their teams,” said Jennifer Barbazza, sustainability lead at Walmart Canada. “Having these kinds of working relationships with governments help further the development of shared goals, improving sustainability outcomes for the communities we serve.’
These tours also allow us to share information about Food Bank-adjacent programs such as Consumer Value Proposition (CVP). When a Walmart product approaching peak freshness moves to CVP it gets discounted by 50% to help customers save even more on the food they need, without having to access a food bank.
There are different levels of needs and retailers, food banks, and the governments can tailor levels of support to help ensure no Canadian goes hungry, while focusing on the dignity and respect of the end user.
“Food Banks Canada is grateful to work alongside Walmart Canada and the many dedicated partners who share in this commitment. Your support strengthens our collective mission and fuels the momentum for real, lasting change,” said McAllister. “Thank you to the hundreds of store and DC teams championing these efforts every day. Your dedication makes a difference and has an impact every day locally and nationally in this lives of those facing food insecurity.”
