iA Financial Group has launched the ninth edition of its annual Canada-wide philanthropic contest, this year focusing on food insecurity, a challenge the insurer said is tied to broader issues of resilience and well-being in Canadian communities.
Food insecurity has reached unprecedented levels, with nearly one in four Canadians affected, according to Policy Options.
For insurers, rising levels of food insecurity highlight the intersection of social and economic vulnerabilities that can intensify risks for households, from health outcomes to financial strain. iA Financial Group said its contest is designed to support both immediate relief efforts and initiatives that address long-term causes.
From September 10 to October 12, Canadian charities can submit proposals on how they would use a $100,000 donation to tackle food insecurity. Beyond food banks, the insurer is looking to fund projects such as vertical farming, community-supported agriculture, urban gardens, nutrition education, and community kitchens, as well as health-focused research and prevention programs.
A total of $500,000 will be distributed. Twelve finalist charities will be announced on November 3, with the public invited to vote until November 26. Four regional winners, one each from Western Canada, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic/Northern Canada, will receive $100,000, while eight other finalists will receive $10,000. Additional employee-selected charities will receive $5,000, with winners named between December 8 and 12, the company said.
Denis Ricard, president and CEO of iA Financial Group, said the insurer is responding to a pressing social challenge while reinforcing its broader role in helping communities adapt and thrive.
“We are always attuned to the needs of the communities where we are present, and food insecurity currently is especially relevant,” he noted.
For iA Financial Group, the contest reflects the industry’s growing emphasis on resilience, not only against natural catastrophes and financial risks but also social and health pressures that affect policyholders and communities alike.
The company donates about 1% of its net profits annually, supporting initiatives in health, education, social and community support, and the environment. The contest is one of its key vehicles for directing funds to issues that overlap with the insurance industry’s long-term focus on risk prevention and community stability.
