For community organizations, consistent funding can make all the difference, especially when demand is rising and resources are stretched. It allows them to keep services running, adapt when changes arise, and plan for the future so they can help as many people as possible.
That’s why Fight Hunger. Spark Change. matters. Now in its 10th year, the annual fundraising and food-raising campaign, rooted in a longstanding partnership between Walmart Canada and Food Banks Canada, has helped to see food banks through some of the most challenging years in their history and to support the increasing number of people in Canada who are facing food insecurity.
Through Fight Hunger, Spark Change., local food banks across the country have been able to count on a significant influx of funds every year for the past decade.
Operating a food bank is a challenge even at the best of times, and unexpected challenges can make it even harder. A few years ago, spring floods forced the Vegreville Food Bank Society in Alberta out of the space it was renting, pushing the organization to store its assets while searching for a new location. Many individuals, organizations, and businesses like Walmart Canada pitched in to help minimize the fallout for local families.
The food bank had to absorb higher rent expenses for a while, but it was able to continue providing food for community members in need. It credited funds from Fight Hunger Spark Change with greatly assisting it during a difficult time.
How to Help
Vegreville Food Bank Society isn’t the only food bank to have benefitted from Fight Hunger. Spark Change. Since its inception 10 years ago, the campaign has generated millions of meals in support of the food banking network across Canada.
To mark the 10th anniversary campaign, Walmart Canada is gifting 1 million dollars to Food Banks Canada. Several Walmart supplier partners are also contributing, including Kellanova, WK Kellogg, Campbell’s, Coca-Cola, Conagra, Ferrero, P&G, PepsiCo and Mars Food/Mars Pet. Together, their contributions total $600,000.
From February 5 and March 4, 2026, Canadians are invited to support their community food bank in one or more of these simple ways:
• Donate in-store at the register, including rounding up their in-store purchase to the next dollar and donating the difference
• Donate food and essential household items at a Walmart store
Every dollar stays local, with 100% of the funds directed to the local food bank matched to each Walmart store.
Food banks use these funds where they’re needed most. In Thunder Bay, Ontario, the Regional Food Distribution Association has used campaign funds to support home food delivery for people with limited mobility, ensuring clients received fresh, nutritious food.
Participating brand partners
Meanwhile, in British Columbia, the Cranbrook Food Bank Society has been able to provide more fresh items in their children’s nutrition corner. “This has made a significant impact for our families,” they said. “The addition of cheese and yogurt has been well received by households with children, and we are grateful to Walmart for their continued support.”
Food, Funds, and a Massive Impact
Beyond fundraising, Walmart is a longstanding participant in Food Banks Canada’s Retail Food Program, which helps direct surplus food and essential supplies from stores to local food banks. When the Retail Food Program began in 2012, 40 Walmart stores donated 74,577 pounds of food. Today, it has grown into a nationwide program, and in fiscal year 2024-25, more than 400 stores and sites contributed a total of 11.8 million pounds of food.
Fight Hunger. Spark Change. amplifies this impact by helping food banks to pick up and deliver food donations, buy additional food, and build capacity.
Take for example Moisson Montreal, which provides millions of meals each year to nearly 300 community organizations that serve Montrealers in need. Proceeds from last year’s Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign covered many of the operating costs relating to picking up food from Walmart and other donors.
“This freed up funds that had originally been earmarked for this purpose and thus allowed for more flexibility regarding transportation,” says spokesperson Sarah Taylor. “This added flexibility had a definitive impact on our operations, allowing us to recover more food than would have otherwise been possible. Thank you so much for your essential support!”
“Over the years, Walmart Canada’s unwavering support has been a lifeline for people facing hunger, bringing comfort in times of uncertainty and restoring hope when it’s needed most,” says Kirstin Beardsley, CEO of Food Banks Canada. “Walmart’s Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign and its participation in the Retail Food Program have provided a total of over 202 million meals to people facing hunger in Canada! Thank you to the entire Walmart team for making such a meaningful difference in communities across the country.”
Food Banks Canada encourages everyone to celebrate 10 years of Fight Hunger Spark Change by donating at their local Walmart store or online. Together, we can help communities navigate today’s challenges and build a more hopeful tomorrow.
