New Program for Food and Beverage Processing Businesses Good for the Environment, People & Bottom Line
Provision Coalition & Food and Beverage Ontario have partnered to deliver a unique sustainability mentorship program for Ontario businesses
Guelph (May 28, 2018) – Provision Coalition and Food and Beverage Ontario have partnered to support sustainable food production in Ontario with a new program, Ontario’s Food and Beverage Manufacturer Sustainability Management System (SMS) Collaborative. Provision Coalition is the food and beverage industry’s sustainability expert supporting businesses in reducing their environmental footprint, strengthening employment culture and improving profitability. Food and Beverage Ontario is the leadership organization for processor businesses in Ontario advocating for industry growth and prosperity.
The new Ontario SMS Collaborative will provide a forum for manufacturers to discuss transitioning operations to more sustainable production and exchanging best practices and lessons learned. The Collaborative will also support businesses with sustainability experts from Provision Coalition and guidance in using the Sustainability Management System online tools and resources.
“Moving to a more sustainable operation can still be a daunting process for businesses but it doesn’t have to be. We have partnered with Provision Coalition because they have the tools and the experts to make it easy for FBO’s members to identify issues such as food waste or wastewater and find solutions. The process inevitably improves a company’s environmental footprint and it also engages employees in achieving performance goals,” Norm Beal, chief executive officer of Food and Beverage Ontario.
Provision Coalition and FBO are offering two Sustainability Collaboratives, one in the Greater Toronto Area and one in West/Southwestern Ontario, with 8-12 non-competing company members per Collaborative. Companies interested in joining a Collaborative will purchase an annual membership that includes the following:
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6 meetings hosted by Collaborative members and facilitated by Provision Coalition
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Two professional coaching/mentoring days per year provided by Provision Coalition
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Access to Provision Coalition’s Sustainability Management System and KPI Dashboard to track and report sustainability performance
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Annual Sustainability Diagnostic + Annual Share Showcase
Food and Beverage Ontario members will receive priority placement in the program to May 31, 2018.
“The Collaborative model works really well for businesses, especially SMEs, committed to a concept but not yet sure how to proceed. Being connected with both peers and experts is a good formula for businesses making sustainability improvements in their operations,” said Cher Mereweather, executive director with Provision Coalition.
To learn more about the program including costs view the Ontario SMS Collaborative information sheet or to participate contact Marcy Lillard at mlillard@provisioncoalition.com; 519-822-2042 x3.
About Provision Coalition
Provision Coalition is Canada's premier food and beverage manufacturer sustainability organization and a leader in food loss + waste prevention and reduction strategies for the industry. At Provision, the latest sustainability advances, resources and solutions are shared with food and beverage businesses across the country. With 16 provincial and national agri-food association members, Provision has committed to reducing the food and beverage manufacturing sector’s environmental footprint, improving employment culture and strengthening business competitiveness. Global challenges including the reduction of food loss + waste, climate change mitigation and responsible sourcing are Provision’s priorities. To learn more about Provision Coalition visit www.provisioncoalition.com.
About Food and Beverage Ontario
Food and Beverage Ontario is a not-for-profit, leadership organization advancing the interests of its Ontario food and beverage processor members. FBO’s focus is on the success, prosperity and growth of the food and beverage processing industry. To learn more about FBO visit www.foodandbeverageontario.ca.
Media Contact:
Isabel Dopta
Stakeholder Relations, Provision Coalition
Communications Director, Food and Beverage Ontario
idopta@provisioncoalition.com
519.993.1192
Funding has been provided in part by: