Walmart Canada launches Virtual Food Bank in response to HungerCount 2013

• Retailer donates $100,000 to Food Banks Canada to help support Canadian Families in need

TORONTO, Nov. 12, 2013 /CNW/ - In response to HungerCount 2013, Walmart Canada today announced the launch of their first-ever virtual food drive to generate funds to support local food banks in improving access to food and vital services for those in need. Walmart has one of the strongest community involvement programs in Canada with a mission to support Canadian families in need.

In partnership with Food Banks Canada, Walmart Canada has set up an online fundraising campaign to help families seeking assistance from food banks across the country. Canadians are invited to donate the value of their favourite food, meal or personal product by visiting http://support.foodbankscanada.ca/walmart. Funds raised will help local food banks provide much needed food and household products to families in communities from coast-to-coast. The campaign will run from November 12 to 30, 2013.

"Walmart is proud to partner with Food Banks Canada to help address the serious issue of hunger," said John Lawrence, director of corporate social responsibility for Walmart Canada. "Supporting Food Banks Canada is a natural extension of our goal to help Canadian families in need. As a retailer, we're committed to offering healthy affordable food to as many people as possible."

In addition to launching an online campaign, Walmart also announced a donation of $100,000 to Food Banks Canada for its Retail Food Program, which aims to increase the support to food banks through the donation of surplus food and household products. Walmart Canada has proudly supported the Retail Food Program since July 2013 and provides support to over 200 organizations. The Retail Food Program connects local food banks with Walmart Canada stores across the country.

"The Walmart Virtual Food Drive is a simple yet incredibly impactful way for Canadians to support their communities," said Katharine Schmidt, executive director of Food Banks Canada. "We thank Walmart Canada for their ongoing support and encourage Canadians to rally behind this initiative, affirming the work done by incredible staff and volunteers in over 3,000 food banks and food related programs across Canada"

About Food Banks Canada
Food Banks Canada supports a unique network of food-related organizations in every province and territory, which assists almost 850,000 Canadians each month. Together our network shares over 200 million pounds of essential, safe, quality food annually, provides social programs that help to foster self-sufficiency, and advocates for policy change that will help create a Canada where no one goes hungry. Visit foodbankscanada.ca for more information or like us on Facebook or follow us on twitter at FoodBanksCanada.

About Walmart Canada
Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Walmart Canada operates a growing network of more than 381 stores and one of the strongest community involvement programs in Canada. Walmart Canada gives back to local communities in ways that matter most to its customers and associates. In 2012, the company raised and donated more than $22 million to charities and organizations in need. Visit www.walmartcsr.ca for more company information or follow Walmart Canada on Twitter at www.twitter.com/walmartcanada.

SOURCE: Food Banks Canada

Marzena Gersho, Food Banks Canada 
[phone] (mobile) or  
[phone] ext. 228 (office)