TORONTO — Sysco Canada has launched Foodies Unite, a new initiative to help heal the food industry in Canada. This program represents the company’s commitment to leverage its supply chain to help its restaurant customers and grocery retailers adapt to the current rapidly evolving environment and provide meals to those most in need.
Prior to the impact of social-distancing orders implemented as a result of the spread of COVID-19, for many Canadians, up to half of their meals were being consumed outside the home through the foodservice industry such as restaurants, pubs, meal kits, hotels, education and sports facilities.
“As an essential service, it’s time for us to step out from behind the scenes so we can all step up for Canada. Even while we all focus on practicing proper social distancing, we believe Canadians can unite to heal the foodservice industry and bring us all back together, stronger than ever,” says Randy White, president of Sysco Canada.
Sysco is committed to helping its customers through this time of uncertainty and has developed a wide range of tools and resources, available online. These resources include industry insights, how to develop a takeout/delivery platform and social-media best practices, among many others. These resources will be continually updated to respond to changing conditions on the ground.
Sysco has also partnered with food-relief organizations such as Food Banks Canada, Second Harvest and Breakfast Clubs of Canada to help make food available to the populations that are in need through the Food Rescue program. As a result, the company will donate 250,000 meals to support these food-relief organizations.
