Mr. Jonathan Carroll reports

LOBLAW COMMITS CANADA'S LARGEST GROCERY BRANDS TO PARTNER WITH FOOD RECOVERY PROGRAMS - IN ONE-BILLION-POUND PROMISE

Loblaw Companies Ltd. is celebrating its inaugural Food Waste Awareness Week (June 4 to 10) by reaching a major milestone in its food waste reduction efforts: as of the end of 2022, 100 per cent of eligible Loblaw stores and distribution centres are actively participating in a food recovery program. This means more than 1,700 locations -- including Loblaws, Zehrs, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart and more -- in communities nationwide are now paired directly with a local food bank or food recovery agency, helping to put good food to use before it becomes waste, and ultimately helping more Canadians Live Life Well.

"Through our Feed More Families pledge, we've committed to providing one billion pounds of food to those in need by 2028. Having our supermarkets, drugstores and distribution centres matched with a local food bank or food reclamation agency is a big step toward this goal, ensuring millions of pounds of food reach those in need," said Jonathan Carroll, senior vice-president, Real Canadian Superstore, and head of Loblaw's food waste reduction initiatives. "This achievement gives Loblaw momentum, as we aim to eliminate all food waste from our operations by the end of 2030."

Through long-term partnerships with Food Banks Canada, Second Harvest and Food Banks of Quebec, participating Loblaw locations donated nearly 15 million pounds of safe and nutritious food in 2022. Participating banners include Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart, No Frills, Your Independent Grocer, Real Atlantic Superstore, Zehrs, Provigo, Maxi, and T&T Supermarkets, as well as Loblaw food distribution centres across the country.

In support of Feed More Families and in addition to its annual holiday and spring food drives and regular food donations, Loblaw made financial contributions totalling $1.1-million to Food Banks Canada, Second Harvest and Food Banks of Quebec in 2022.

About Loblaw Companies Ltd.

Loblaw is Canada's food and pharmacy leader, and the nation's largest retailer. Loblaw provides Canadians with grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, general merchandise, financial services, and wireless mobile products and services. With more than 2,400 corporate, franchised and associate-owned locations, Loblaw, its franchisees and associate owners employ approximately 221,000 full- and part-time employees, making it one of Canada's largest private sector employers.