Group 1: Scholarships and Research Support - Maple Leaf Foods and the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security announced the 2025/26 Maple Leaf Board Scholarships in Food Insecurity, awarding a total of $60,000 to four scholars [1][2] - Each recipient, including Masters and Doctoral candidates, will receive a $15,000 scholarship to support their research on food insecurity in Canada [2] - The scholarship program has supported 21 students since its inception in 2020, focusing on research that addresses food insecurity [3] Group 2: Research Focus Areas - Rachel Blais will examine the nonprofit sector's role in addressing food insecurity in Iqaluit and develop community-led recommendations for poverty reduction [6] - Gabrielle Jacob will measure differences in food insecurity rates among marginalized populations and analyze changes over time with food bank usage [6] - Sylvia Odhiambo will investigate the relationship between immigration status, trauma/mental disorders, and food insecurity [6] - Michaela Tokarski will analyze the impact of the Ottawa Food Bank's decision to reduce food distribution by 20-50% on clients and member agencies [6] Group 3: Organizational Goals and Commitment - The Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security aims to reduce food insecurity in Canada by 50% by 2030 and advocates for critical public policies [4] - The Centre invests in knowledge building and programs to enhance the capacity of communities to achieve sustainable food security [4] - Maple Leaf Foods is a leading protein company with approximately 13,500 employees, operating in Canada, the U.S., and Asia [5]

Core Points - The Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign by Walmart and Sam's Club aims to provide food and resources to those facing hunger, running from March 1 to March 31 [1] - Since its launch in 2014, the campaign has raised over $206 million and secured 2 billion meals for Feeding America [2] - In 2023, 47.4 million people in the U.S. experienced food insecurity, the highest number in a decade, highlighting the need for increased food assistance [3][4] Company Contributions - Walmart and Sam's Club have partnered with 22 and 7 suppliers respectively to support the campaign, including major brands like Coca-Cola, General Mills, and Unilever [5][6] - For every purchase of participating products, suppliers will donate at least $0.10 for Walmart and $0.50 for Sam's Club to Feeding America partner food banks [6] Community Impact - The North Texas Food Bank serves 664,000 individuals facing hunger, with nearly 40% being children, emphasizing the importance of corporate partnerships in addressing food insecurity [3] - The North Texas Food Bank delivers over 100 million nutritious meals annually and focuses on nutrition education and innovative solutions to eliminate hunger [7][8] Organizational Background - Feeding America is a nationwide network committed to ending hunger, advocating for legislation to improve food security, and addressing factors impacting food access [9] - Walmart, with a fiscal year 2024 revenue of $648 billion, operates over 10,500 stores globally and emphasizes sustainability and corporate philanthropy [10] - Sam's Club, a division of Walmart with $86 billion in revenue, offers a modern retail experience with a focus on quality fresh food and innovative shopping options [11]