MISSISSAUGA, ON,- Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (TSX: MFI), the world's first major carbon neutral food company, has renewed its partnership with kids' conservation organization, Earth Rangers to combat the impact of learning loss incurred during the summer break. Launching on Monday, July 29, the new 'Future Farmer Mission' will help families to keep young minds engaged with fun, eco-friendly activities that introduce kids to sustainable farming practices. The Mission highlights how effective soil management and changes to how we grow our food can help sustain Canada's food supply for years to come.
The term 'learning loss' refers to the loss of knowledge and skills, or a reversal in a student's academic progress. This is often due to extended gaps in a student's education and is commonly associated with the long summer break.
Parents need eco-education support
A new survey by Maple Leaf Foods reports that parents struggle to find engaging summer activities for their kids. More than half (56 per cent) of parents reported being tired of this annual struggle, and more than three-quarters (81 per cent) are looking for activities that will keep their kids' minds stimulated during school breaks. Almost all parents (94 per cent) want their kids to learn more about science, and the new Future Farmer Mission aims to meet these needs.
Following a successful food waste-focused challenge sponsorship with Earth Rangers in 2023, the Future Farmer Mission will educate young Canadians about simple, sustainable farming techniques through free at-home activities and challenge them to grow their own regenerative garden to complete their mission.
"Making sustainable farming practices digestible and fun for a generation of future farmers in Canada is important for the future of our agricultural industry," says Joe McMahan, Vice President, Sustainability and Shared Value at Maple Leaf Foods. "This is why we're proud to empower Canadian families to step up for sustainability. Food production has an environmental impact, and we believe the industry has a responsibility to protect the planet. We are excited to be part of educating and inspiring the future generation — our children!"
Maple Leaf Foods has made ongoing progress in reducing its environmental impact by investing in regenerative agriculture practices, starting with 20,000 acres of cropland three years ago and expanding to 250,000 acres in 2024. The company is also a founding member of the Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agri-food (CANZA).
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