Vancouver – COBS Bread’s 160 bakeries in Canada are marking the company’s 20th anniversary by reinforcing and highlighting their commitment to its End of Day Giving program, which aims to ensure no leftover product goes to waste.
“With the cost of food and groceries continuing to rise, many Canadians from coast to coast to coast are struggling more than ever to feed their families,” says Aaron Gillespie, COBS Bread president, in a news release. “This is why, at the end of each day, every bakery continues to donate leftover bread to local charitable programs in their respective communities.”
To help other companies, restaurants and bakeries get started on a food donation plan, COBS Bread is sharing 20 years of learning, insights and expertise in a new downloadable step-by-step food donation guide.
“Our End of Day Giving program has been part of COBS Bread’s DNA since the very beginning,” Gillespie said. “It’s the fabric of who we are as a brand. We hope this guide inspires others to get started.”
The impact of a successful food donation plan can be substantial, the company said.
Since the first COBS Bread bakery opened in Vancouver back in 2003, and thanks to 100 per cent franchisee participation, more than 500 local charities have received an estimated $560 million worth of product, which goes to help Canadians struggling with food insecurity. Last year alone, more than $60 million in retail value was donated.
Recipient charities include food banks, school breakfast programs, after school programs, youth charities, and community groups.
Gillespie wants COBS Bread to be an example of how sustainable growth, combined with an equal effort on serving communities, has been a recipe for success.
Bakeries can download COBS Bread’s Step-by-Step Food Donation Guide here.
To further celebrate the milestone, guests can pick-up a special 20th COBSiversary scone – a double chocolate scone with cream cheese icing and sprinkles, available at all bakeries for a limited time from July 24 to 30.