Two local companies win donor awards from Food Banks Canada

Loblaws  is one of two local recipients of Food Banks Canada second annual corporate donor awards.

The awards are given to companies, which this year also included Mississauga-based Walmart Canada, to “acknowledge the outstanding efforts of Food Banks Canada’s corporate donors to reduce hunger.”

Loblaw Companies Limited was presented with the Award for Excellence for its support and its Extra Helping food drive campaigns. The company was also recognized for its significant contribution to the National Food Share System.

Walmart Canada was presented with the award for Innovator of the Year for “its unique contribution to food banking in Canada.” According to Food Banks Canada, Walmart initiated a retail food program that matches food banks with Walmart stores to enable donations of food and consumer goods.

“These companies have gone above and beyond to assist Canadians in need,” said Food Banks Canada board chair Robin Garrett. “With close to 900,000 Canadians turning to food banks each month, it takes the commitment of all Canadians to make a difference, and we are grateful that so many in the business community are supporting our work.”

The awards were presented at the organization’s annual Celebrating our Partners breakfast.

Loblaws Inc is the largest grocery store operator in Canada and part of the George Weston food conglomerate. The company, headquartered in Brampton on Presidents Choice Circle, has more than 1,400 stores across the country.

Walmart Canada is the country’s largest department store chain by revenues. Headquartered on Argentia Road in Mississauga, the company operates 408 locations nationwide and employs nearly 90,000 people.