Second Harvest is grateful and humbled by the incredible corporate support that we receive to fight food insecurity across the country. We had the chance to ask a few questions to Connie Tamoto, Cargill’s Corporate Responsibility Senior Manager in Canada. Cargill has positively impacted communities with their tremendous work and have helped feed those in need.
1. Tell us about charitable partnerships at Cargill. What motivated your commitment to enriching the community?
At Cargill we work to positively impact communities where our employees live and work. We do this by collaborating with strategic partners across the globe to bring our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way to life. Even though we are a global company, our work starts at the community level, where millions of farmers, ranchers, and producers of all sizes grow the crops, livestock and other ingredients the world needs. Here in Canada, we are committed to giving back because we believe it is the right thing to do – whether that be through volunteering with local charities or partnering with organizations like Second Harvest.
2. How does your partnership with Second Harvest align with Cargill’s corporate values?
At Cargill, our values are do the right thing, put people first and reach higher. With Second Harvest’s commitment and mission to feed people and reduce the environmental impact of avoidable food waste in an innovative way, they embody each of our values every single day.
3. If you could say one thing to people or other organizations who considering supporting Second Harvest, what would it be?
Second Harvest’s programs that help feed Canadians in need are so important in addressing food security in Canada. The Second Harvest food rescue app is just one example of how the organization is coming up with new and innovative ways to bring surplus food to agencies across Canada including northern communities where there is a need for fresh and shelf-stable foods.
4. Did Cargill’s community giving strategy change in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Cargill continues to work with nonprofit and NGO partners around the globe to address some of the most urgent needs—including food insecurity and hunger. In addition to monetary donations, we are providing food, ingredients and other high-need products to vulnerable populations. Specially in Canada, Cargill has made contributions to national organizations providing emergency support to Canadians including Food Banks Canada, Second Harvest Canada and Breakfast Clubs Canada. Additionally, the company has partnered with the Canadian Cattleman’s Foundation at the founder’s level to support Canadian producers.
All in all, our strategy didn’t change per se, but instead we exercised more agility and speed to bring resources and aid to those in our communities quicker.
5. What does ‘No Waste, No Hunger’ mean to Cargill?
Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient amounts of safe, nutritious and affordable food that meets their daily caloric and nutritional needs and provides the foundation for an active and healthy life. When we support programs like Second Harvest’s food rescue app, we know that surplus food is going to help feed those in need.
