Bel Group Canada Donates Close to $200,000 Worth of Nutritious Products to Food Banks Canada’s After the Bell Program

The company continues to fight against food waste and food insecurity

Montreal, May 15, 2024 – Bel Group Canada is proud to announce a donation of close to $200,000 worth of products to Food Banks Canada’s After the Bell program. This contribution underscores the company’s commitment to fighting food waste and insecurity and providing nutritious options for children living in food insecure households.

The After the Bell program is dedicated to addressing food insecurity during the summer months when school-based food programs are not available. Bel Group Canada’s contribution will help ensure that children and families have access to healthy snacks, which are essential for growth, development, and active lifestyles.

“Bel Group Canada is deeply committed to making a positive impact through sustainable, concrete actions,” said Marie-Ève Robert, Vice-President Marketing and CSR, Bel Group Canada. “Part of our values for over a century, we have a strong desire to support initiatives that contribute to food security in Canada. Our contribution to the After the Bell program is part of our ongoing efforts to offer healthy and responsible food to all.”

The donated products include nutritious options like The Laughing Cow® Cheese Dippers and GoGo SqueeZ® fruit sauce pouches, which will be distributed through Food Banks Canada’s vast network, reaching children and families in communities nationwide.

“Food Banks Canada is incredibly grateful for Bel Group Canada’s generous donation,” said Erin Filey-Wronecki, Chief Development and Partnership Officer, Banks Canada. “For many kids, the summer months are a time for running, swimming, playing, and exploring.  Unfortunately, for one in six children living in food insecure households, the start of summer, means the end of critical in-school meal programs.  Thanks to Bel Group Canada, and all the valuable donors that contribute to our After the Bell program, which supports children across the country, helping them to have a better summer this year.”

In 2023, Bel Group Canada donated $1.6M in products, and $100,000 to support programs like After the Bell, totaling $1.7M. Employees also took part in volunteering activities at Moisson Montréal and La Tablée des chefs in Montreal, in addition to helping pack After the Bell food packs in Mississauga.

About Bel Group Canada

Bel Canada Group is a subsidiary of Bel Group, a world leader in branded cheeses and a major player in the healthy snack market with distribution in nearly 120 countries. Created in 2005 to boost the development of the Group’s activities in Canada, the subsidiary now employs 250 people, including 95 at its headquarters in Montreal, contributing to the Group’s mission of providing healthier and more responsible food for all. Its brands Boursin® and The Laughing Cow® are produced under subcontract in Canada with local partners and Babybel® is produced at the company’s plant in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec. Bel Canada Group also owns MOM Group, makers of GoGo squeeZ® fruit pouches based in Toronto. To learn more, www.bel-canada.ca. To learn more about Bel Group, visit www.groupe-bel.com.

About Food Banks Canada

Food Banks Canada provides national leadership to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow in collaboration with the food bank network from coast-to-coast-to-coast. For 40 years, food banks have been dedicated to helping Canadians living with food insecurity. Over 5,100 food banks and community organizations come together to serve our most vulnerable neighbours who in March of last year made nearly two million visits to these organizations, according to our 2023 HungerCount Report. Over the past 10 years, as a system we’ve sourced and shared over 1.4 billion pounds of food and Food Banks Canada shared nearly $168 million in funding to help maximize collective impact and strengthen local capacity – while advocating for reducing the need for food banks. Our vision is clear: create a Canada where no one goes hungry. Visit foodbankscanada.ca to learn more.

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