A Chick-fil-A employee packaging biscuits to be sent to the Shared Table Program.

Food Donation Program Helps Company Achieve 2025 Food Waste Diversion Goal Early

ATLANTA (Sept. 4, 2024) — Chick-fil-A, Inc. today announced that the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® food donation program has provided over 30 million meals to local communities in need across Canada and the United States, while also helping the company surpass its 2025 corporate social responsibility goal to divert 25 million pounds of food waste from landfills one year ahead of schedule. This significant achievement underscores the company’s commitment to fighting hunger and food insecurity while also demonstrating environmental stewardship. 

The Canadian Public Health Organization estimates 15.9% of households in Canada, equating to 5.8 million people, lack adequate access to food. Chick-fil-A Shared Table empowers local Chick-fil-A Owner-Operators to address this issue through donating surplus food from their Restaurants to local community partners to help people facing hunger. Chick-fil-A, Inc. works with Second Harvest and Food Donation Connection to connect local Owner-Operators with these organizations, and more than 2,200 Restaurants participate in the program. 

Since 2012, meal programs, shelters and other organizations have transformed donated surplus food items – like chicken, salads and more – into meals for those affected by food insecurity. By repurposing extra food that would otherwise go to waste, Chick-fil-A has not only reduced its environmental footprint, but also made a meaningful impact in addressing hunger and food insecurity within local communities. 

“The heart of the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program lies with our local Restaurant Owner-Operators and the unique partnerships they develop with non-profits in their communities to feed people in need,” said Andrew T. Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-A, Inc. “Like so many of the best ideas at Chick-fil-A, Shared Table began in our Operator community, and today, many of our Chick-fil-A local Owner-Operators choose to participate out of a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the communities they serve. That’s what makes the program so successful.”  

By the Numbers: 
• 106,000 pounds of food waste in Canada diverted from landfills by Chick-fil-A, Inc. and Chick-fil-A restaurants since 2020 
• 100% of Chick-fil-A restaurants in Canada participate in Chick-fil-A Shared Table 
• 106,000 meals created for individuals in need through from 16 Chick-fil-A restaurants participating in Chick-fil-A Shared Table in Canada 
• 1,200+ non-profit organizations across Canada and the U.S. engaged in Chick-fil-A Shared Table 
• 15.9% of households in Canada – equating to approximately 5.8 million people – lack adequate access to food (Source: Canadian Public Health Organization
• 44 million Americans – including 13 million children – are food insecure (Source: Feeding America)
• 160 billion pounds of food is estimated to be wasted each year in the U.S. alone (Source: ReFED)

“We’re delighted to see the significant progress Chick-fil-A has made in the fight against hunger and food waste. Surplus food donations from Chick-fil-A restaurants across Canada not only help provide nourishing meals to local communities, but also divert greenhouse gases from the environment,” said Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest. “Food insecurity continues to impact Canadians, and through the partnership with Chick-fil-A, we’re able to make a true difference in the lives of those in need.”

“As food insecurity in Canada has grown, it’s important to me as a local business owner to be conscious about how I’m conducting business and giving back to those in need in my community,” said Karleen Rhodes, local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A West Edmonton Mall. “The Chick-fil-A Shared Table program is a genuine, caring way to support our neighbours – and that is really what makes Chick-fil-A a leader in the quick-service restaurant industry.”

To further the company’s commitment to fighting hunger and reducing food insecurity, Chick-fil-A, Inc. donates US$25,000 to Second Harvest in Canada or Feeding America, with the aim of funds being distributed to partners within the restaurant’s community to create positive local impact. Additional sustainability efforts – such as composting and utilizing aerobic food digesters – have also played a role in maximizing the effectiveness of the company’s food waste diversion efforts. Chick-fil-A, Inc. continues its commitment to environmental stewardship and its leadership in the quick-service restaurant industry.

For more information about Chick-fil-A, Inc.’s corporate social responsibility programs and sustainability initiatives, please visit Chick-fil-A.com/CSR.

About Chick-fil-A, Inc. 

Chick-fil-A, Inc. is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States, known for its freshly-prepared food, signature hospitality and unique franchise model. More than 200,000 Team Members are employed by independent owner-operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. In 2023, the company shared plans to expand by 2030 into Europe and Asia.  

Chick-fil-A owner-operators live and work in the communities their restaurants serve, each supporting local efforts to address hunger, education, and making a positive impact. The family-owned and privately held company was founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.ca and @ChickfilANews.

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