Vendors from one of Canada’s largest exhibitions, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto, came together to donate over 11,000 kg of surplus food to help combat hunger across the country. Second Harvest, a leading food rescue organization, was chosen to distribute the donations to those in need. The CNE took place in Toronto from August 16 to September 2, and the vendors helped load Second Harvest trucks with the donated food the day after the event concluded.
The donated food consisted of perishable and non-perishable food items, including bags of potatoes and corn, hamburger and hot dog buns, fresh and frozen vegetables and fruit alongside frozen meat such as hamburgers and seafood, according to the CNE. An estimated 20 to 30 food vendors at the Canadian National Exhibition participated in the food donation drive to Second Harvest, organized by CNE as a “collective effort on a large scale” to donate leftover food to those who need it while avoiding wastage of food. Second Harvest is Canada’s largest food rescue charitable organization working with thousands of food businesses in Canada across the supply chain to reduce the amount of edible food going to waste.
Darrell Brown, CEO of the CNE Association, explained that the organization is committed to preventing food wastage. This year marks the first time the donation effort was organized collectively. “Many individual vendors have traditionally donated to specific food banks, but CNE wanted to consolidate the effort,” Brown said. The aim was to establish a distribution system that would efficiently deliver the surplus food to where it was needed most. Brown expressed satisfaction with the vendors’ support and enthusiasm, adding that it was rewarding for the CNE to end the season by ensuring leftover food was put to good use.
Winston Rosser, Vice-President of food rescue operations for Second Harvest, emphasized the impact of this surplus food donation, noting that it will benefit thousands of people. “Second Harvest delivers surplus food to over 300 charity and non-profit partners in the city and across the country,” he said. Rosser added that many perishable items would reach those in need within hours of each truck’s departure. “Perishable food recovery is our expertise, and we often turn it around the same day.” He also highlighted that the donation supports both people and the environment.
According to Tran Nguyen, the CNE’s media relations officer, more than 1.4 million people were expected to attend this year’s exhibition.
Source: CBC
