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Amid rising food insecurity and environmental challenges, Canada’s iconic Burger Family is making a big impact.
Since 2020, A&W Canada and Second Harvest have partnered with a shared commitment to sustainability and community. What began with 81 participating restaurants has grown into a national effort, as more locations continue to join the Second Harvest network every month, working to ensure that good food never goes to waste.
To date, through distribution and 441 restaurants registered on the Second Harvest Food Rescue App, A&W has provided over 1.24 million meals and prevented 4.8 million pounds of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere. The company aims to continue onboarding more and more restaurants in communities across the country, turning food waste into nourishment and reducing its environmental impact. From coast to coast, this collaboration is creating lasting, positive change, touching communities both big and small.
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A&W believes “good food makes good food," and this idea has proven true at the Calgary Dream Centre, where staff have found many creative ways to cook with the restaurant’s rescued food.
Melody, director of operations and administration at the Calgary Dream Centre, vividly recalled picking up donations from the Signal Hill A&W for the first time: "Our cook mentioned he was making spaghetti for dinner but was short on ground beef. Seeing the patties, he quickly ground them up and added them into the sauce."
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At Rhema Sanctuary in Winnipeg, A&W’s donations have been more than just meals. “The A&W donation not only filled a critical need but also brought a sense of joy and normalcy,” shared one staff member, highlighting how the donations help create a sense of comfort, especially for those navigating difficult circumstances.
In Vancouver, Michael from Community Builders enjoys the connections he’s built with A&W staff during donation pickups.
"We arrive at the Marine Gateway restaurant and are greeted by the wonderful staff and managers. They are always so welcoming and friendly, and I look forward to seeing them when I do the rescues,” he said.
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The team at A&W understands that food rescue goes beyond a simple gesture — it’s a responsibility they’ve woven into their daily routines. Shenny, A&W Operator from Calgary, recalls how after one large event, the A&W team “quickly mobilized to sort and package food, which was then distributed to local shelters.”
In smaller communities, A&W’s efforts have brought people closer. Graham, A&W Manager from Woodstock, Ontario, is proud of their role in the Second Harvest program.
“Being in a smaller community, we try to have a positive impact. By utilizing the Second Harvest program, we are able to provide goodwill to our neighbours through sharing food that would otherwise end up in the landfill,” he said.
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This sentiment is echoed in Quebec, where Frederic shared that the A&W Arvida team has wholeheartedly embraced the program. “Nous sommes très proches de nos clients et le fait de pouvoir aider en retour, c’est naturel pour nous.” ("We are very close to our customers, and being able to help in return is natural for us.")
Across Canada, A&W’s partnership with Second Harvest is already making a profound difference. With each meal rescued and redistributed, fewer Canadians face hunger and more food stays out of landfills. It’s a powerful reminder that when we come together, the impact is amplified — benefiting both people and the planet.
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