MISSISSAUGA, ON – Walmart Canada has officially wrapped up its most successful Fight Hunger. Spark Change fundraising campaign ever in support of Food Banks Canada. The retailer, with the support of its customers and participating suppliers, contributed a record $6.6 million, the equivalent of 13 million meals, for Canadians in need.
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to greatly impact Canadians, contributing to an increased number of people facing food insecurity, this year’s Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign drove unprecedented donations as Canadians recognized the need for added support. Walmart Canada matched customer donations up to $820,000 and provided an additional $180,000 for a total corporate donation of $1 million.
“The impact on food banks across the country this past year has been unprecedented,” said Chris Hatch, chief executive officer of Food Banks Canada. “Without deeply committed partners like Walmart Canada, we wouldn’t be able to provide relief to Canadians to the level we do.”
How Canadians gave back during this year’s Fight Hunger. Spark Change. Campaign
Canadians contributed to this year’s campaign by adding a cash donation to their in-store and online grocery purchases, by purchasing products from participating brands – Mars Canada, KraftHeinz, Kellogg’s, Conagra, Maple Leaf, General Mills, Dare, Pepsi, Mondelez, Ferrero, Coca Cola, Unilever, Grupo Bimbo – and donating non-perishable food items in-store at their local Walmart store.
“We are very grateful to our dedicated Walmart Canada customers and suppliers who, despite the challenges faced due to the pandemic, joined together to help feed Canadian families in need and provide 13 million meals across the country,” said Horacio Barbeito, president and CEO of Walmart Canada. “At Walmart Canada, it is our responsibility to give back and to help build strong communities. We are proud to support Food Banks Canada and to continue the fight against food insecurity.”
About the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. Campaign
Since the Fight Hunger. Spark Change campaign launched in 2017, Walmart Canada has raised 60 million meals for Canadians coast-to-coast, building on the more than 30 million pounds of food Walmart has donated to food banks across the country over many years. Walmart stores across Canada are paired with food banks in their communities to ensure quality food is provided to those who need it most.
Walmart Canada and the Walmart Foundation also support the efforts of the food bank network to help food banks keep food fresh and safe during transportation and distribution within the community. In addition, the Walmart Foundation has invested nearly $6 million to build capacity among Food Banks Canada’s 630 affiliate food banks, leading to more trucks, more refrigerators and more people to get food from all sources to those who need it most. These grants from the Walmart Foundation are the next step in a multi-year, multi-million-dollar commitment to strengthen food security across Canada.
About Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada operates a chain of more than 400 stores nationwide serving 1.5 million customers each day. Walmart Canada’s flagship online store, Walmart.ca is visited by 900,000 customers daily. With more than 100,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada’s largest employers and is ranked one of the country’s top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada’s extensive philanthropy program is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994 Walmart Canada has raised and donated more than $500 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca, facebook.com/walmartcanada and at twitter.com/walmartcanada.
About Food Banks Canada
Food Banks Canada provides national leadership to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow in collaboration with the food bank network from coast-to-coast-to-coast. For 40 years, food banks have been dedicated to helping Canadians living with food insecurity. Over 3,000 food banks and community agencies come together to serve our most vulnerable neighbours who – last year – made 1.1 million visits to these organizations in one month alone, according to our HungerCount report. Over the past 10 years, as a system we’ve sourced and shared over 1.4 billion pounds of food and Food Banks Canada shared nearly $70 million in funding to help maximize collective impact and strengthen local capacity – while advocating for reducing the need for food banks. Our vision is clear: create a Canada where no one goes hungry. Visit http://www.foodbankscanada.ca/ to learn more.
