Sysco Canada has announced a $50,000 donation to Second Harvest, marking the second consecutive year of support through its Nourishing Neighbours program. This contribution reinforces the company’s commitment to addressing hunger and strengthening communities across Canada.
26-Year Partnership Milestone
Presented at Second Harvest’s facility in Etobicoke, the donation builds on a 26-year partnership focused on ensuring surplus food reaches those who need it most. Over this period, Sysco Canada has donated 1.34 million pounds of food, equivalent to more than one million meals.
“I’m so proud that over 26 years we’ve donated 1.34 million pounds of food to Second Harvest – that’s just over a million meals for our community,” said Rodd Olmstead, Regional President of Sysco Canada. “This is part of how we at Sysco Canada live our Purpose of Connecting the World to Share Food and Care for One Another.”
Nourishing Neighbours Program
Sysco Canada’s Nourishing Neighbours program supports community-based organizations by directing a portion of proceeds from select local Sysco-branded products to charitable partners. At least 75% of these funds support organizations focused on food access and hunger relief. As part of a multiyear partnership, 15% of all Nourishing Neighbours donations will go to Second Harvest to help address food insecurity in Northern and remote communities.
In fiscal year 2025, Sysco Canada donated more than 1.2 million meals to communities across the country, provided over $365,000 in financial support to community partners, and employees volunteered more than 13,000 hours with food banks, community kitchens, and food rescue organizations. These combined efforts supported more than 220 community partners nationwide.
Impact on Food Insecurity
Second Harvest, Canada’s largest food rescue organization, redistributes surplus food to thousands of non-profits and community organizations, helping deliver good food to people in need while reducing unnecessary food waste.
“Sysco Canada’s commitment to fighting food insecurity has made a lasting difference for communities from coast to coast to coast,” said Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest. “Together, we’ve helped provide more than one million meals to people in need across Canada, advancing our shared mission to keep good food on plates and out of landfills. We’re deeply grateful for Sysco’s 26 years of partnership and look forward to building on this impact together.”
By working together, Sysco Canada and Second Harvest demonstrate how businesses, non-profits, and government partners can tackle food insecurity in meaningful, lasting ways. Their ongoing partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating measurable, long-term impact and building stronger, more resilient communities across Canada.
