Empire Co., the Official Grocer of Team Canada, is proud to launch its Feed the Dream Olympic campaign, pledging $1-million to help prepare Canadian athletes on the road to Tokyo and beyond.
- As part of the Feed The Dream campaign, all Olympic and Paralympic athletes who represent Canada at the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games will receive grocery cards that can be redeemed at the following locations: stores across Canada including Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, IGA extra, Garden Market IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Chalo! FreshCo, and Thrifty Foods.
- The $1M will be divided equally between all Olympic and Paralympic athletes who compete for Canada at Tokyo 2020.
- Sobeys is excited to support Canadian athletes by providing them access to great food as they pursue their Olympic dream and represent Canada on the global stage.
How much will each athlete be getting of the $1 Million?
The $1 million will be split evenly amongst all Olympic and Paralympic athletes that represent Canada at the Tokyo Games. Based on the exact number of athletes that compete in the Games, the amount per athlete will fluctuate. This page will be updated as that amount is determined.
Which athletes are eligible for the program? How will eligible athletes receive their grocery card?
Athletes that are nominated for the 2020 Canadian Olympic Team will receive a card & cards will be safely distributed at-Games in Tokyo.
Where can athletes use their grocery cards?
The Athlete Grocery Cards will be redeemable at all Sobeys Inc. stores across Canada including Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, IGA extra, Garden Market IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Chalo! FreshCo, and Thrifty Foods.
Can I use the grocery card on any products available at the stores listed above?
Correct, your Athlete Grocery Card can be used for all in-store purchases, with the exception of purchasing gift cards.
Do I need to show ID when I use my grocery card?
Correct, to ensure that only qualified Team Canada athletes are able to use the Athlete Grocery Cards, you may be asked to show a piece of government photo ID to confirm your identity. This is for theft/loss prevention purposes.
Can I lend the grocery card to a friend or family member
Athlete Grocery Cards can only be used by the individual whose name is represented on the card.
When will athletes be able to use their grocery cards?
Athletes will be able to use their grocery cards as of August 1st, 2021. They will be pre-loaded with $1,000 and the remaining balance of funds will be loaded onto the cards automatically on October 1st. Athletes will be able to use their grocery cards until March 31st, 2022, at which point all unused funds on the cards will be pooled into a donation to the COPSI network.
Why are Sobeys & Team Canada making this commitment?
At Sobeys Inc. we believe in the power of sport to inspire and unite Canadians. No sporting event brings the country together like the Olympics. And now more than ever, during a year that’s been difficult for all Canadians, that unity is vital.
Why is it important for Sobeys to support athletes specifically?
Athletes need our support. While there are many household names in the Canadian Olympic family, they aren’t compensated like professional athletes. They rely heavily on their communities for support and funding. Many work multiple jobs to pay for their training while they pursue their dreams – and the hopes of our nation. No one should have to worry about putting food on their plates.
When will athletes receive their grocery cards?
When Team Canada athletes arrive in Tokyo, their Sobeys Inc. Athlete Grocery Cards will be given to them as part of the Team Canada Outfitting process. This allows them to use the card for nourishing food when they arrive home. Team Canada Paralympic athletes will be given their Athlete Grocery Cards in July, ahead of their departure to Tokyo.
How can athletes find out the balance of funds on their grocery cards?
The cards will come pre-loaded with $1,000 of funds, and will be loaded again with the remaining balance of the funds on October 1st, 2021. Athletes will be able to check the balance on their cards either in store or by calling 1-800-832-0717.
When in the month does my card get reloaded?
Your card is already pre-loaded with $1,000 and will be uploaded with the remaining amount no later than October 1st, 2021. There will not be any additional loading of funds after October 1st, 2021.
How will I know when my card has been reloaded?
You can check the balance on your card either in store or by calling 1-800-832-0717.
When will the grocery cards stop being reloaded with funds?
October 1, 2021 will be the final time your Athlete Grocery Card will be loaded. Your Athlete Grocery Card will expire on March 31st 2022 and all remaining funds will be allocated to a central fund that will be donated to the Canadian Olympic & Paralympic Sport Institute Network to continue supporting Team Canada athletes. Please ensure that you use all of your funds before March 31st, 2022.
How do I replace a lost card?
If you have a lost or stolen card, please reach out to groceries@olympic.caas soon as possible and notify them of the situation. They will inform you on next steps.