Operating at the intersection of environmental protection and hunger relief, Second Harvest works across the supply chain to rescue healthy, surplus food from more than 7,500 food donors before it ends up in landfills. This food is then redistributed to our network of over 4,400 non-profit partners and their subsequent food programs across Canada. Our innovative food rescue model allows us to ensure that at least 80% of the food we rescue each year is perishable, healthy and nutrient dense. Items like protein, produce and dairy are necessary for good health, but are the most difficult for many to source due to cost, and the traditional hunger relief sector is not equipped to store and transport these goods at scale.

Amid soaring grocery prices, the rising cost of living, and inflation, a record number of people in Canada are turning to social service agencies for charitable food assistance. Over the past year alone, agencies from all corners of the country have experienced record-breaking levels of demand, yet nearly 60% of all the food that is produced in Canada is wasted each year. Second Harvest’s no cost and inclusive distribution model allows a wide array of agencies to redirect their food budgets back into other areas of programming, building capacity and increasing impact in the communities they serve while protecting the environment.

Every dollar donated to Second Harvest allows us to rescue enough food to provide three meals to those in need. With your help, we can reach our goal of rescuing 75 million pounds of food this year for those experiencing food insecurity in Alberta and beyond, keeping good food on plates and out of landfills. Climate change, food waste and hunger are challenging issues, and it takes drive and the passion to face them head on. Realizing our vision of No Waste. No Hunger. can only be done when we all believe that it can – and will – be achieved.