A pilot program by Save On Foods to eliminate food waste being touted as new has been going on in Kamloops for the last 12 years.

Kamloops Food Bank Executive Director Bernadette Siracky says that shows how forward-thinking Kamloops has been.

“Twelve years ago, the food policy council in Kamloops had a really strong vision for what could happen here,” she said. “The food bank took it on operationally to say, ‘let’s try this.’

“What’s interesting is that Save on Foods Sahali was our first really strong partner.”

Siracky adds the program has grown over the years, and all stores in Kamloops are now on board.

“Costco, Walmart, Save on foods, Market Fresh, Independent Grocers, all of the retailers, they’re all on board with us, and we are so entirely grateful,” Siracky added.

“That’s because we can give fresh and healthy product to our clients once a week, which is more than any other food bank. And also, we’re able to supply 60 agencies in town that make meals.”

As for this pilot project, Save On Foods wants to reduce food waste by 50 per cent by 2025.

The company says the program is now in 100 of 170 stores in Western Canada.