In March 2022 alone, Food Banks Canada reported there were almost 1.5 million visits to food banks across the country — up 35 per cent since 2019. Our HungerCount 2022 report confirmed that high inflation and a broken social safety net have Canada’s food bank network straining under historically high demand. Given these statistics, it is hardly surprising that there are still far too many children accessing food banks, and the number of single and older adults requiring support continues to rise. 

That is why Walmart Canada, in partnership with Food Banks Canada, is kicking off the seventh annual Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign in Walmart stores across the country, from Feb. 16, 2023 through March 15, 2023, to benefit the local food banks. 

Since its inception in 2017, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has generated over 60 million meals in support of the food banking network across Canada. This year the goal is to secure 10 million additional meals to help provide food to people in need!   

The campaign offers a variety of easy ways for customers and community members to participate:   

• Donate online. 
• Donate food items in-store at the collection bins located at the front of the store.  
• Donate at the checkout.  

Participating brands in Walmart’s Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign include: Campbell’s, Coca-Cola, Conagra, Dare, Ferrero Canada, General Mills, Kellogg’s, Kraft, Maple Leaf, Mars, Mondelez, PepsiCo, Unilever. 

According to Kirstin Beardsley, CEO of Food Banks Canada, food banks across the national network are welcoming the annual Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign as they face the highest demand in Canadian history.  

“Our HungerCount 2022 report shows that food banks are seeing an increase in the number of students, seniors, people living on fixed incomes, and people who are employed being forced to walk through their doors,” Beardsley said. “As we continue to advocate for a stronger social safety net to help address systemic poverty and food insecurity in this country long term, we are fortunate to have the support of our dedicated partners. Year after year, Walmart Canada’s Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign helps food banks across the national network ensure that our most vulnerable populations have access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food, and we are extremely grateful to Walmart Canada for this generous partnership.” 

To learn more about the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign visit: https://www.walmart.ca/cp/shop/fight-hunger-spark-change/6000206087900.