Our Communities
We’re committed to the communities where we operate and recognize that resilient and healthy communities are essential for a sustainable future.
Working to cut food insecurity in Canada in half by 2030
Nearly Nine million people face food insecurity in Canada. Every day they make impossible choices, like choosing between paying for food, rent, utilities or other necessities.
We created The Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security to make a lasting, positive impact on food insecurity in Canada. We know that food & food donations will not solve the problem. We advocate for change and work with organizations to address this complex social issue.
Doing good in communities where we operate
We operate in many communities across Canada. We’re fortunate to have amazing people on our team who volunteer, support and contribute to causes that they are passionate about. The time and skills they share have a positive impact on our communities. Our people have big hearts!
Our Raise the Good in the Neighbourhood volunteer program
The Raise the Good in the Neighbourhood program allows our people to volunteer and give back time in their community in the way that resonates for them. Salaried Team Members receive two days of paid time off a year to volunteer with the cause of their choice. To encourage participation and help people get started, we have a national network of trained Volunteer Champions promoting local opportunities.
Not only does being involved in the community link to our Purpose and Values but drives social impact and is fun – our team members love it!
Supporting other community initiatives
Over the last eight years, we’ve forged deep relationships with thought leaders and have committed more than $13.4 million to 40 initiatives seeking to address underlying drivers of food insecurity that span coast-to-coast.
Better public policy to achieve food security for Canadians with disabilities
50% of people over the age of 15 living in a food insecure household have a disability. The new federal Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) has the potential to provide financial relief to people with disabilities and the main qualification criteria is to be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Of the 1.5 million people with disabilities who live in poverty, only one-third are currently registered for the DTC, and the application process is notoriously complex with significant barriers to approval.
The Centre is partnering with Plan Institute to provide free, accessible information and one-to-one support to individuals and families across Canada, develop resources for medical practitioners and other professionals to complete the application, and outreach to community organizations across the country to increase awareness of and access to the DTC and CDB.
Integrated Report
We’re documenting all the changes we’re making. See our progress in our latest Integrated Report.