Canadian sub franchise and major dairy processor stepping up to tackle food insecurity
Food insecurity is a growing issue across communities in Canada
Statistics Canada released new data on food insecurity in 2023 from the Canadian Income Survey, finding that in 2024, 10 million people in the ten provinces, including 2.5 million children, lived in a food-insecure household.
As food insecurity does not end during holidays, sub franchise operator MR. SUB and dairy processor Saputo announced campaigns to tackle food insecurity this approaching Canada Day.
MR.SUB is offering Canadians $2 off its Canadian Club Sub this Canada Day and a portion of the sales of the sub will be used to help Second Harvest to tackle food insecurity across Canada. Saputo announced $450,000 to be given over the next three years to Food Banks Canada.
“Through this partnership, MR.SUB, Second Harvest and sandwich lovers across Canada can honour our country and take a shared step toward building a more equitable and environmentally conscious future,” said Janice Burgess, senior brand vice-president, MR.SUB. “It’s a great privilege for MR.SUB to support Second Harvest in their vital mission to eliminate perishable food waste across Canada.”
“With MR.SUB’s incredible Canada Day commitment, thousands of meals will be provided to people across Canada facing food insecurity, and we are so proud to partner with a company taking such meaningful action,” said Lori Nikkel, CEO, Second Harvest. “Their support helps ensure that good food reaches those who need it most. Contributions like this are essential in the fight against food insecurity and food waste in Canada. We are so grateful!”
READ: Gay Lea Foods, Second Harvest partner to combat food insecurity
Saputo’s partnership with Food Banks Canda will have Saputo contribute to Food Banks Canada's After the Bell program, which brings nutritious, kid-friendly food packs to children during the summer months when school-based meal programs are unavailable.
"As a dairy processor, we believe we have a responsibility to tackle food insecurity and support our communities in growing stronger and more resilient," said Saputo's Haig Poutchigian, president and chief operating officer, Dairy Division (Canada). "We're proud to partner with Food Banks Canada and to be part of a solution that helps address immediate needs while contributing to long-term change."
"The need for food banks in Canada has nearly doubled in only five years, to the point where they will receive over two million visits this month alone," says Kirstin Beardsley, chief executive officer of Food Banks Canada. "More than ever, generous partners such as Saputo are critical to the well-being of our communities. Each day for the next three years, their contribution will help ensure that parents can feed their kids, new Canadians can settle in, seniors can fill their cupboards, and struggling people can make ends meet. Our partners also empower us to advocate for changes and take on the root causes of food insecurity."
