Kraft Heinz Canada steps up to help food banks during COVID crisis

May 4, 2020, Toronto, Ont. – Kraft Heinz Canada has announced a new initiative to support Food Banks Canada.

The company, through its Kraft Heinz Project Pantry initiative, will donate one million meals and personal protective equipment (PPE) for those working on the front lines of Canadian food banks.

Kraft Heinz Canada has a strong history of supporting healthy communities and states that this much-needed commitment will help continue this legacy by ensuring Canadians in need have food on their table during COVID-19.

“Kraft Heinz is proud to be a fixture in pantries across Canada, and we believe it is our responsibility to help ensure Canadians are supported with the food they need during COVID-19,” said Bruno Keller, president, Kraft Heinz Canada. “We’re with you, Canada, and we hope our donation will not only support families in need, but enhance the safety of front-line workers volunteering their time at their local food bank.”

Kraft Heinz Project Pantry marks another chapter in Kraft Heinz’s history of supporting food banks in Canada. Over the past three years alone, Kraft Heinz has proudly provided $28 million in food donations to communities in need across Canada. Globally, The Kraft Heinz Company is committing $12 million (U.S.) to support food banks around the world in communities that are affected by the pandemic.

“The support we’re seeing, from Canadians and organizations like Kraft Heinz, is essential in keeping our food bank shelves stocked and our communities fed during this unstable time,” said Chris Hatch, CEO Food Banks Canada. “The provision of personal protection equipment is not only necessary, it’s saying to food bank staff and volunteers, we care about your safety and we’re here for you, so you can be there for those in need.”

Kraft Heinz Canada reports that the initiative is supported by the efforts of more than 1,400 employees, who are working overtime to ensure production meets the demand of grocery stores and food banks. Production at Kraft Heinz Canada’s Mount Royal, Que., plant is now running lines continuously through the day and night with the goal of providing enough food to help feed all Canadians.

“The increased production and dedication of our plant employees really shows how important the culture of giving back to the community is for us, from senior leadership to our line workers,” said Danielle Nguyen, plant manager at Kraft Heinz Canada. “Some of our staff have even come out of retirement to support production and Canadians in this time of need.”

Kraft Heinz Canada is the country’s largest food and beverage company. The company’s products are found in more than 97 per cent of Canadian households.

Food Banks Canada provides national leadership to relieve hunger. Over the past 10 years, the organization has sourced and shared more than 1.4 billion pounds of food and shared nearly $70 million in funding to help maximize collective impact and strengthen local capacity.