Food Banks Canada Recognizes Outstanding Corporate Leaders

orporate supporters recognized for their commitment to addressing the issue of hunger in Canada

MISSISSAUGA, ON  - Food Banks Canada announces the recipients of its 2018 Corporate Donor awards. These awards celebrate Food Banks Canada's partnerships with corporate Canada and reflect the distinct and innovative ways that companies are giving back and assisting the more than 860,000 men, women and children who use food banks each month.

"Every day we are reminded of the considerable need to support Canadians who are living with hunger and we're happy to recognize our outstanding corporate supporters," says Chris Hatch, CEO of Food Banks Canada. "These recipients are inspiring examples of organizations that are helping to improve the lives of Canadians struggling with hunger."

2018 AWARD RECIPIENTS (in alphabetical order)
Egg Farmers of Canada was the recipient of the 2018 Award of Excellence. This award acknowledges a corporate partner's long-term commitment to food banks in Canada. For more than two decades, Egg Farmers of Canada has been a partner to food banking across Canada. In 2017, they demonstrated their passion and commitment to reducing hunger in Canada which included the Recipes that Give campaign that celebrated of the generosity of food bank volunteers and distributed more than 1.3 million highly sought after fresh and nutritious eggs to local food banks.

The Innovator of the Year award was presented to Loblaw Companies Ltd. This award recognizes a corporate partner's unique contribution to Food Banks Canada. Loblaw has been a committed supporter of the food banking network since 2004. Their Save It Forward campaign, which allows consumers to donate to matched, local food banks, has helped generate $1 million dollars in additional support.

The 2018 Donor of the Year Awards were presented to Walmart Canada and The Walmart Foundation. This award recognizes the corporate donor's outstanding leadership. The Walmart Foundation granted more than $3.8M to Food Banks Canada and local members in 2017. Walmart Canada also supports food banking with millions in grants and donations through the Fight Hunger. Spark Change campaign. "The Walmart Foundation appreciates this recognition, and we applaud Food Banks Canada for their leadership in enhancing food security throughout Canada," said Kathleen McLaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation. "By providing philanthropic support and working with organizations like Food Banks Canada, we aim to strengthen the food system and accelerate food recovery efforts, helping Canadian food banks better serve their communities."

The company also supports Food Banks Canada's Retail Food Program, helping grow food banks' ability to acquire and share food across the country. Since 2011, Walmart Canada has raised and donated more than $10 million and 11 million pounds of food to Canadian food banks. "Walmart Canada is extremely honoured by this recognition," said Lee Tappenden, President and CEO, Walmart Canada. "While we're proud of our efforts to date, we can't afford to rest on our laurels.  Food insecurity continues to be a significant problem throughout Canada and we are proud to work alongside Food Banks Canada to address this critical issue."

Through their generous support and innovative solutions, this year's winners have made important contributions to both addressing hunger in Canada today and leading the way to creating the change needed to reduce food bank use. Food Banks Canada is grateful for their ongoing support.