New online challenge engages families with
simple at-home activities that convey the importance of
regenerative agriculture
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 30,
2024 /CNW/ - Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (TSX: MFI),
the world's first major carbon neutral food company, continues to
support Canadians with climate-friendly little changes that can
collectively contribute to a better planet. November 7 marks the third annual Little Changes
Day, established to celebrate Maple Leaf Foods' carbon neutral
anniversary and encourage Canadians to partake in their own
sustainability journey, by integrating eco-friendly habits into
everyday routines.
A recent survey1 from Maple Leaf Foods reveals nearly
all Canadians (94%) care about protecting the environment and 84%
agree that working together is important to turn the tide of
climate change, yet many don't know where to start to make a
difference. Maple Leaf Foods started Little Changes Day to inspire
Canadians with simple and fun resources to help jumpstart
Canadians' eco-friendly habits. This year, the Little Changes Day
'Grow Your Own Greens' challenge was developed in partnership with
Earth Rangers, the kids' conservation organization. Accessible via
the Earth Rangers App, the challenge teaches families about the
importance of sustainable farming practices, through simple,
eco-friendly at-home activities, including how to:
- Grow your own greens using kitchen scraps (e.g. using lettuce
stalks and herb stems)
- Create indoor planters using recycled materials
- Successfully plant indoors, with information on the best types
of planters, soil, and veggies that grow best inside (e.g. lettuce,
microgreens, herbs)
"Prioritizing sustainable choices to protect the environment is
something we're committed to as part of our broader mission to
'Raise the Good in Food'," says Joe
McMahan, Vice President, Sustainability and Shared Value at
Maple Leaf Foods. "Little Changes Day is just one way in which we
encourage Canadians to participate in our purposeful journey to
better protect our planet and food supply."
"This year's 'Grow Your Own Greens' challenge shows families how
eco-friendly farming practices can make a difference. Through
knowledge and understanding, Canadians can help us to maintain
Canada's food supply for future
generations. Change can start from something as small as growing
lettuce in your kitchen, to the solutions we're delivering on a
much larger scale, such as regenerative agriculture practices
within our supply chain to support our growers," says McMahan.
Positive momentum for the planet
The third Little Changes Day builds on the momentum of ongoing
resources and activities designed to provide eco-friendly tips for
families looking for easy ways to practice sustainability. From
learning how to curb household carbon emissions through 2022's
Little Changes Home Challenge or conserving electricity and
connecting with family through 2023's Disconnect to Reconnect
Challenge, year-over-year, each activity has shown how easy
and FUN combatting climate change can be.
A partnership that's making a difference
As long-term supporters of Earth Rangers' mission, Maple Leaf
Foods has collaborated on multiple initiatives that have empowered
more than 200,000 members to take action for the planet. The latest
Little Changes Day challenge is just one activity to be included
within the wider Future Farmer Mission that explores how
regenerative agriculture helps to improve soil health, fight
climate change, and increase biodiversity to ensure plants and
animals thrive. It has, to date, seen more than 3,000 completed
actions.
"Teaching younger generations about the importance of protecting
the environment in a fun and relatable way that encourages positive
action helps give kids a sense of agency and confidence in their
ability to make a difference in the fight against climate change,"
says Tovah Barocas, President of
Earth Rangers. "With organizations like Maple Leaf Foods' support,
the Future Farmer Mission and new Grow Your Own Greens Challenge
are increasing agricultural knowledge and access to fresh food
among kids and families, while making the connection between the
food we eat and broader sustainability issues."
How to take part
The Future Farmer Mission is available now, and the Grow Your
Own Greens Challenge launches on November
7. Both are accessible for free through the Earth Rangers
App.
To learn more about Maple Leaf Foods' commitment to
environmental sustainability, visit
MapleLeafFoods.com/our-commitments.
About Maple Leaf Foods
Maple Leaf Foods is a carbon neutral company with a vision to be
the most sustainable protein company on earth, responsibly
producing food products under leading brands including Maple
Leaf®, Maple Leaf Prime®, Maple Leaf Natural
Selections®, Schneiders®,
Schneiders® Country Naturals®,
Mina®, Greenfield Natural Meat Co. ®,
LightLife® and Field Roast™. The Company employs
approximately 13,500 people and does business primarily in Canada,
the U.S. and Asia. The Company is headquartered in Mississauga,
Ontario and its shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange
(MFI).
About Earth Rangers
Earth Rangers is the kids' conservation organization, committed
to instilling environmental knowledge, positivity, and the
confidence to take action in every child in Canada. They do this through a variety of free
programming that children can participate in at school, at home,
and in their communities. With over 350,000 active members and
alumni across Canada, Earth
Rangers is the largest youth conservation organization globally.
Their programs provide kids with tangible activities, real-life
conservation projects and engaging content—but more than that, they
provide a sense of belonging, optimism and proof that when we all
work together, we can make a difference. Learn more at
www.earthrangers.com.
1About this Study:
These findings are from a survey conducted by Maple Leaf
Foods from April 8th to
April 10th, 2024, among a
representative sample of 1,500 online Canadians who are members of
the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and
French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this
size would carry a margin of error of +/-2.53 percentage points, 19
times out of 20.
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SOURCE Maple Leaf Foods Inc.