Loblaw Companies Limited is holding its inaugural Food Waste Awareness Week (June 4 to 10) and the company has reached an internal milestone in its food waste reduction efforts: as of the end of 2022, 100 per cent of eligible Loblaw stores and distribution centres are participating in a food recovery program—representing more than 1,700 locations including Loblaws, Zehrs, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart nationwide that are now paired directly with a local food bank or food recovery agency.

"Through our Feed More Families pledge, we've committed to providing 1 billion pounds of food to those in need by 2028. Having our supermarkets, drugstores and distribution centres matched with a local food bank or food reclamation agency is a big step toward this goal, ensuring millions of pounds of food reach those in need," said Jonathan Carroll, senior vice president, Real Canadian Superstore and head of Loblaw's food waste reduction initiatives. "This achievement gives Loblaw momentum, as we aim to eliminate all food waste from our operations by the end of 2030."

Through long-term partnerships with Food Banks Canada, Second Harvest and Food Banks of Quebec, participating Loblaw locations donated nearly 15 million pounds of food in 2022. Participating banners include Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart, No Frills, Your Independent Grocer, Real Atlantic Superstore, Zehrs, Provigo, Maxi and T&T Supermarkets, as well as Loblaw food distribution centres across the country.

In support of Feed More Families and in addition to its annual Holiday and Spring Food Drives and regular food donations, Loblaw made financial contributions totaling $1,100,000 to Food Banks Canada, Second Harvest and Food Banks of Quebec in 2022.