Amid rising rates of food insecurity, employers have a role to play in easing immediate challenges and supporting long-term resilience among employees.
“With rising food prices impacting everyone, we’ve developed or enhanced a range of programs that support both our employees and the communities where we work and live,” says Chris Pepper, vice-president of corporate affairs at Fidelity Investments. “From a subsidized café to charitable giving to the work we do as an investment company, we’re proud to be part of the solution to cost-of-living pressures.”
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That commitment comes as a new report by Food Banks Canada found poverty and food insecurity in Canada have risen almost 40 per cent in the last two years. It graded the federal government’s poverty reduction efforts a ‘D’ and noted 25.5 per cent of households are struggling with food insecurity, up from 18.4 per cent in 2023.
At Fidelity, the issue is seen as interconnected. Food insecurity can’t be separated from overall financial security, so the company has focused on programs that address both. A subsidized café launched in September 2024 has already served more than 90,000 meals at half price, with some costing as little as $3.50. Fidelity’s Toronto office also offers a complimentary barista service and fruit hubs across major offices provide employees with free and healthy food options.
The company supplements daily supports with events like summer barbecues, family days and food voucher giveaways. Its charitable giving program has contributed $26.6 million over the past decade, including $600,000 last year to food banks in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. Employees added another $97,700 through fundraising, which supported tens of thousands of meals and food boxes.
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Fidelity’s wider wellness supports reinforce its integrated approach. Beyond food, employees receive a competitive group registered retirement savings plan contribution, extended health and dental coverage to age 70, a 25-week parental leave top-up, a $360 annual fitness reimbursement and strong disability coverage.
Pepper says these programs reflect Fidelity’s values as much as its business model. “We look at issues holistically because food insecurity is tied to broader financial pressures. By addressing both, we’re helping employees feel secure today while also supporting their long-term wellbeing.”
Food Banks Canada’s report noted that while the country is at a crossroads, new national programs like the Canadian Dental Care Plan and the National School Food Program are showing early promise. The report urged collective action to reduce food insecurity by half by 2030, alongside automatic tax filing and modernized income supports. Employers can amplify those efforts by ensuring employees have affordable food access and long-term financial tools.
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