If there’s one good thing that's come from the COVID-19 crisis, it’s that this difficult situation has brought on some great local initiatives. To help continue building solidarity in Canada, Circle K has decided to launch a campaign called "5 Million Meals."
The idea is simple: Canadians can now support local food banks by filling up their gas tank at their favourite Circle K store. When filling up at a Circle K, regardless of the affiliated fuel banner, a portion of profits will be redistributed to the food bank in your region in the form of a meal. It's a kind gesture that will feed those in need near you.
According to the Food Banks Canada 2019 HungerCount, there were more than a million visits to food banks each month, including 375,000 visits by children. Between 2016 and 2019, there's been a 30% increase of seniors over 65 accessing food banks. Unfortunately, the phenomenon is likely to increase sharply with the pandemic, resulting in a possible 50% rise in demand in the coming months.
Circle K hopes to give 5 million meals over the next 12 months. If you'd like to help more, you can donate at any Circle K checkout and on the Food Banks Canada website.
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This Circle K campaign follows close on the heels of their earlier initiative for healthcare and emergency services workers, during which over 2 million free drinks were served. Their "Little Thank Yous" campaign gave out over 38,000 snacks to essential workers. With great ideas like these, everything will be ok.
This is an excellent example of a local initiative created to support Canadians in these difficult times through simple everyday gestures. Now you know where to go the next time you need to fill up!