Kia Drives Social Impact with $750K Food Rescue Partnership

MISSISSAUGA, ON – November 17, 2025 – Kia Canada is expanding its commitment to social responsibility with a $750,000 investment in Second Harvest, Canada’s largest food rescue organization. The three-year partnership, part of Kia’s ‘Kia Communities in Motion’ initiative, aims to address growing food insecurity across the country while simultaneously reducing food waste and its associated environmental impact.

Addressing a Growing Crisis

Canada is facing an unprecedented surge in food insecurity, with nearly one in five Canadians – approximately 9 million people – struggling to afford adequate food. Recent data from Food Banks Canada reveals a record-high demand for emergency food assistance, with visits increasing by nearly 90% compared to pre-pandemic levels. The crisis is particularly acute among vulnerable populations, including children, single individuals, newcomers, and Indigenous communities.

“The scale of food insecurity in Canada is deeply concerning,” said a community advocate familiar with the issue. “Many families are forced to make impossible choices between food, housing, and other essential needs.” The rise in the cost of living, particularly food prices and housing costs, has exacerbated the problem, pushing more Canadians into food insecurity.

Kia Canada’s partnership with Second Harvest comes at a critical time, offering a tangible solution to address this pressing social issue. Second Harvest rescues surplus food from across the supply chain – farms, manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice providers – and redistributes it to over 5,000 non-profit organizations across Canada. This effectively prevents edible food from ending up in landfills while providing nutritious meals to those in need.

Beyond Vehicle Manufacturing: Kia's Expanding CSR Footprint

Kia Canada's commitment to social responsibility extends beyond its core business of vehicle manufacturing. The ‘Kia Communities in Motion’ initiative, launched in 2022, exemplifies this dedication, investing in projects that foster inclusivity and drive positive change in communities across the country. Previous initiatives have focused on supporting mental health services, celebrating Indigenous culture, and empowering marginalized groups.

“We see our role as a corporate citizen extending beyond building great vehicles,” explained a spokesperson for Kia Canada. “We want to contribute to building thriving communities and creating a more sustainable future.” The partnership with Second Harvest aligns perfectly with this vision, addressing both social and environmental challenges.

The automaker's approach represents a growing trend among automotive manufacturers to embrace corporate social responsibility. Several competitors, including Toyota and Honda, have also launched initiatives focused on food security and reducing waste, demonstrating a broader industry commitment to making a positive impact.

Environmental Benefits: Reducing Waste, Conserving Resources

The partnership between Kia Canada and Second Harvest offers significant environmental benefits. Food waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 8-10% of global emissions. When food decomposes in landfills, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is 25 times more damaging than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. By rescuing surplus food, Second Harvest effectively prevents these emissions.

“Rescuing food isn’t just about feeding people; it’s about protecting the environment,” stated an environmental advocate familiar with food waste reduction strategies. “It’s a win-win solution that addresses both social and environmental challenges.”

In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the partnership also conserves valuable resources. Growing food requires significant amounts of water, land, and energy. When food is wasted, these resources are also wasted. By rescuing surplus food, Second Harvest helps to minimize resource depletion and promote sustainable food systems.

Kia Canada estimates that its $750,000 investment will result in the delivery of over 3.75 million meals, prevent over 12.7 million pounds of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere, and save more than 2.4 billion litres of water. These figures highlight the significant environmental impact of the partnership.

Second Harvest is actively tracking and reporting the environmental benefits of its food rescue operations, providing transparency and accountability. The organization is committed to expanding its impact and promoting sustainable food systems across Canada.