Loblaw commits grocery brands to partner with food recovery programs
Loblaw is celebrating its inaugural Food Waste Awareness Week by reaching a major milestone in its food waste reduction efforts. As of the end of 2022, 100% of eligible Loblaw stores and distribution centers are actively participating in a food recovery program.
This means more than 1,700 locations — including Loblaws, Zehrs, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart and more — in communities nationwide are now paired directly with a local food bank or food recovery agency, helping to put good food to use before it becomes waste, and ultimately helping more Canadians Live Life Well.
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"Through our Feed More Families pledge, we've committed to providing 1 billion pounds of food to those in need by 2028. Having our supermarkets, drugstores and distribution centers matched with a local food bank or food reclamation agency is a big step toward this goal, ensuring millions of pounds of food reach those in need," said Jonathan Carroll, senior vice president of Real Canadian Superstore and head of Loblaw's food waste reduction initiatives. "This achievement gives Loblaw momentum, as we aim to eliminate all food waste from our operations by the end of 2030."
Through long-term partnerships with Food Banks Canada, Second Harvest and Food Banks of Quebec, participating Loblaw locations donated nearly 15 million pounds of safe and nutritious food in 2022. Participating banners include Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart, No Frills, Your Independent Grocer, Real Atlantic Superstore, Zehrs, Provigo, Maxi and T&T Supermarkets, as well as Loblaw food distribution centers across the country.
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In support of Feed More Families and in addition to its annual Holiday and Spring Food Drives and regular food donations, Loblaw made financial contributions totaling $1,1 million to Food Banks Canada, Second Harvest and Food Banks of Quebec in 2022.