CNE Donates Over 25,000 Pounds of Food to Combat Hunger

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) has concluded its annual event and is taking significant steps to ensure surplus food does not go to waste. In collaboration with Second Harvest, a Toronto-based food rescue organization, the CNE has announced the donation of more than 25,000 pounds of leftover food to support communities facing food insecurity.

This initiative marks the second consecutive year that the CNE has partnered with Second Harvest for this purpose. According to a statement released by the CNE, the donation consists of a variety of items, including fresh produce, canned goods, and prepared foods. The aim is to distribute this surplus food to individuals and families in need throughout the region.

Commitment to Sustainability

The CNE emphasizes its commitment to sustainability, highlighting that it has successfully diverted over 25 metric tonnes of waste from landfills during this year’s 18-day fair. This effort aligns with the organization’s broader sustainability initiatives, which were enhanced by the introduction of a waste diversion program in 2025. This program mandates all food vendors to utilize third-party certified packaging that is entirely compostable.

Mark Holland, CEO of the CNE, expressed the importance of this partnership during a recent statement. “Second Harvest does an incredible job. We have a lot of folks who are food insecure who need to have access to food, so it’s a logical partnership,” he stated. Holland further emphasized the significance of reducing waste and enhancing access to food, stating, “There’s also access to food, connection to food, reduction of food waste, making sure that everybody in the city has what they need and we want to be part of that solution.”

Collaboration with Community Partners

The collaboration with Second Harvest not only addresses food waste but also strengthens community ties. Winston Rosser, Vice President of Food Rescue Operations at Second Harvest, commended the CNE’s leadership role in sustainable practices. “The CNE is such an institution, and any time that we have a leader in this space step up and lead by example… all this really healthy, incredible food is recovered and redistributed out to community partners in need,” he remarked.

Over the past year, the CNE has undertaken a comprehensive evaluation of its sustainability practices to further reduce waste and improve its operations. This commitment to environmental responsibility and community support positions the CNE as a leader in the fair industry, setting an example for future events.

As the exhibition wraps up for the year, the successful donation of over 25,000 pounds of food highlights the CNE’s dedication to both sustainability and social responsibility, ensuring that no food goes to waste while supporting those in need.