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Sometimes being neighbours can lead to meaningful connections — and that’s exactly how Sunrise Soya Foods, Canada’s leading tofu manufacturer, and Second Harvest came together.
With locations just minutes from each other in Etobicoke, Ontario, the family-owned tofu company often noticed Second Harvest trucks passing by. A friendly conversation eventually led to a collaboration beginning in June 2024, with a shared mission to support communities and reduce food waste.
Led by CEO Peter Joe, Sunrise Soya has proudly served Canadians for decades, founded on strong values of community, diversity and a commitment to nourishing families. Established by Peter’s parents, the company set out to provide nutritious, affordable, and versatile plant-based protein to Canadians. This commitment continues today.
Peter explains that Sunrise Soya follows strict food safety and quality standards, but occasionally, while processing Canadian grown soybeans into tofu, there can be minor variations in the shape or texture. While this tofu still meets food safety qualifications and retains its high nutritional value, it does not meet Sunrise Soya’s quality standards and cannot be sold to customers.
“It’s good food,” Peter said, “and partnering with Second Harvest allows us to donate it rather than let it go to waste.”
Each week between Monday and Thursday, misshapen, over or underweight blocks of tofu are set aside and picked up by Second Harvest on Fridays. Since the partnership began in June, Sunrise Soya has donated 8,000 pounds of tofu products and diverted over 27,000 pounds of greenhouse gases from entering our atmosphere.
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Peter adds that it’s essential for all food manufacturers to address avoidable food waste and shares that Second Harvest provides an avenue for doing so with a focus on community impact. Employees appreciate it as well, knowing that the tofu is going to people who need it most.
As Sunrise Soya and Second Harvest continue their partnership, we’re building a community focused on nutrition, sustainability and care for people and the planet. Sometimes, a small connection—like a neighbourly wave from one truck to another—can grow into something even more impactful.
