Whether it’s a family trying to get back on their feet after an unexpected illness or a young person struggling to land their first job, food banks across Canada try their utmost to get everyone the nourishment and energy they need to move forward with hope. But food banks can’t continue doing this without help, especially given that the need for their support has doubled over the past six years. The sharp increase in hunger has strained food banks’ capacity to the point where nearly a quarter of them ran out of food before meeting demand at some point last year.
This month, Canada’s food banks will receive approximately 2.2 million visits, a third of which will be on behalf of children, who need a steady supply of healthy meals to learn, develop and fulfill their potential.
These are some of the reasons why it makes a meaningful difference in our communities whenever people contribute to campaigns from Food Banks Canada’s partners, such as the upcoming Loblaw Feed More Families™ Spring Food Drive.
More than ever, food banks need donations to meet the needs felt across Canada. From March 19 until April 5, it will be easy and convenient for people to gift food or funds at participating Loblaw banner stores to their local food bank. (See a list of Loblaw banners to the right.).
Food Banks Canada supports Loblaw in matching each participating Loblaw store with one or more food banks in the same region or community. Customers can contribute in one or both of the following ways:
1. Donating cash at the register. Shoppers can make a monetary donation upon checkout. For its part, Loblaw will contribute $100,000 to the cause.
2. Leaving non-perishable food in donation bins that will be available at the front of the stores for the duration of the campaign. The most-needed food items this year include:
- Whole-grain foods, including oatmeal, barley, high-fibre cereals, and whole-grain pasta
- Lean proteins: Canned fish and meat, or plant proteins such as peanut butter, beans, and lentils
- Canned fruit and vegetables
Milk alternatives: Shelf-stable milk, powdered milk, almond milk, rice milk
One hundred per cent of the donated food and funds will benefit local food banks, such as the Airdrie Food Bank in Alberta. “We’re truly thankful for the national retail-food partnership campaign ‘Feed More Families,’ that takes place through our local Loblaw stores, Canadian Superstore and Rob’s No Frills,” said executive director Lori McRitchie, before retiring after many years of service in September 2025. “The food and funds raised during these key initiatives go a long way in supporting our efforts to feed the growing number of families we are seeing in our community.”
As part of an ongoing partnership with Food Banks Canada, Loblaw organizes two annual national food drives – one during the holiday season and one in springtime. Thanks to the goodwill and dedication of staff and customers, these pushes help greatly to keep a steady stream of food available for those who need it to weather challenging times. The impact is felt in communities from coast to coast to coast.
“Our sincere gratitude goes out to the Loblaw employees who share the campaign at their tills, and to the customers who support their neighbours in need through this key program,” said McRitchie. “During uncerta
