Rescuing 4.6 million pounds of food from landfills annually helps feed communities

George Bagaco had a vision. It was that, “No man, woman or child should have to go to bed hungry while stores, restaurants and other food suppliers are tossing food in our landfills.” In 1995, Bagaco began redistributing baked goods, an inspired idea that grew into Food for Life Canada, Halton Region’s largest food recovery program.

Today, Food For Life rescues more than 4.6 million pounds of healthy fresh and frozen perishable food each year. That food is distributed to more than 100 food access programs across Halton Region and Hamilton – 26 of which are in Burlington – supporting more than 4,000 households each week. Each $10 donation is turned into $63.70 worth of good food for the community.

According to the 2023 Community Foundations of Canada National Vital Signs Report,  almost 1 in 4 people have difficulty consistently affording food. In the 12 months prior, 23% of people ate less than they should have because there was not enough money to buy food.  

The Burlington Foundation was instrumental in providing a grant for the initiative’s first refrigerated vehicle, which allowed the program to safely transport perishable and frozen foods. The Foundation has continued to support Food for Life, including a grant in 2024 for $7,500 to support the acquisition of two translation devices and increased signage at its Mountainside Market.