In November 2024, Waterstone Human Capital recognized Food Banks Canada for embodying one of Canada’s Most Admired™ Corporate Cultures of the year. This award celebrates best-in-class Canadian organizations with cultures that have helped them enhance performance.

Food Banks Canada aims to relieve hunger in Canada today and prevent it tomorrow. For our leaders and staff, performance means advancing this mission and achieving organizational goals, collaboratively with a team that is happy, healthy and engaged.

“We create our culture as a team and we have an amazing team,” says Food Banks Canada CEO Kirstin Beardsley. “A great culture is built and sustained by great people, with every person bringing their unique selves to contribute something special. Together, we strive to create a workplace where passion for the mission drives performance and where people feel connected to the societal impact they contribute to.”

Canada’s Most Admired™ Corporate Culture awardees are selected by a board of leaders from companies that have been recognized for this distinction in the past. In their decision-making, they consider multiple aspects of organizational culture, including vision and leadership, recruitment and hiring practices, talent development and management, cultural alignment and overall performance.

“This year’s winners actively craft high-performance cultures and serve as an inspiration for others who want to do the same,” says Marty Parker, President and CEO of Waterstone Human Capital and Chair of the Canada’s Most Admired™ program.

The special culture at Food Banks Canada truly permeates the entire team. In the most recent annual staff engagement survey, 100% of the team indicated that they are proud to work for Food Banks Canada.

When asked what makes working at Food Banks Canada worthwhile, employees often reference its mission and impact. “I love the collaboration at Food Banks Canada, where everyone understands their distinct role in addressing food insecurity in Canada and puts their best foot forward,” says Program Manager Kim Watkins.

Distribution and Logistics Supply Chain Manager Mark LeBlanc echoes this feeling. “Food Banks Canada not only truly cares about their staff,” he says, “but it’s an organization that is based upon caring for and helping others.”