Loblaw Companies Limited Press Releases

Need assistance to manage high blood pressure? Pharmacists at Real Canadian Superstore® and Extra Foods® stores can help

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:59:00 -0400

BRAMPTON, ON, May 17, 2013 /CNW/ - TSX:L: Today pharmacists at Real Canadian Superstore®, Your Independent Grocer®, nofrills®, Extra Foods®, SuperValu® and Wholesale Club™locations are celebrating World Hypertension Day by reminding Canadians to have regular blood pressure checks. In partnership with Hypertension Canada, pharmacists at theselocations recently introduced the Blood Pressure Check Program, an easy, convenient option for consumers to better understand how to manage their blood pressure. The program is exclusive to Loblaw store pharmacies. Please visit http://www.drugstorepharmacy.ca/ to find a location.

Customers simply use the in-store machine to take two blood pressure readings and participate in a personal consultation with the pharmacist. During the consultation, the pharmacist reviews the data from the readings along with other health information to provide appropriate, personalized recommendations based on Hypertension Canada's guidelines.

"Hypertension Canada is committed to working closely with like-minded partner organizations such as Loblaw store pharmacists and the Blood Pressure Check Program to deliver positive benefits to the 7.4 million Canadians living with high blood pressure on a daily basis." says Judi Farrell, CEO, Hypertension Canada. "It is through these programs that we increase awareness of high blood pressure and empower Canadians to make healthy lifestyle choices."

**What should Canadians know about hypertension?

Hypertension is the leading risk of premature death ahead of smoking and infectious diseases
One in five Canadians have high blood pressure
Nine out of ten Canadians will get hypertension in their lifetime
70 per cent of strokes are caused by hypertension
High blood pressure can also cause heart attacks and heart and kidney failure

"During the first month of the Blood Pressure Check Program more than 20,000 Canadians received consultations at pharmacies in Loblaw store locations across the country," said Bobbi Reinholdt, pharmacist and senior vice president, pharmacy, Loblaw Companies Limited. "Through these consultations our pharmacists helped those at risk make positive life changes including reducing sodium intake, increasing physical activity and improving medication adherence."

For more information on the Blood Pressure Check Program and other resources available at Loblaw store pharmacies, please visit http://www.drugstorepharmacy.ca/.

In addition, Loblaw banner stores have several other resources to help Canadians live healthier lifestyles. Customers can also take advantage of programs, products and resources such as President's Choice® Cooking School healthy eating cooking classes, PC® Blue Menu products.

About Loblaw Companies Limited TSX:L
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^®brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^®services and offers the PC^® points and PC Plus™ loyalty program.

** Source: Hypertension Canada (Canadian Hypertension Education Program - CHEP)

or to arrange an interview please contact:

Loblaw Companies Limited
905-459-2500/pr@loblaw.ca

Need assistance to manage high blood pressure? Pharmacists at Dominion® stores can help

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:04:00 -0400

BRAMPTON, ON, May 17, 2013 /CNW/ - TSX:L: Today pharmacists at Dominion^®,Atlantic Superstore^®, SaveEasy^® and nofrills^® locations are celebrating World Hypertension Day by reminding Canadians to have regular blood pressure checks. In partnership with Hypertension Canada, pharmacists at these locations recently introduced the Blood Pressure Check Program, an easy, convenient option for consumers to better understand how to manage their blood pressure. The program is exclusive to Loblaw store pharmacies. Please visit http://www.drugstorepharmacy.ca/ to find a location.

**What should Canadians know about hypertension?

Hypertension is the leading risk of premature death ahead of smoking and infectious diseases
One in five Canadians have high blood pressure
Nine out of ten Canadians will get hypertension in their lifetime
70 per cent of strokes are caused by hypertension
High blood pressure can also cause heart attacks and heart and kidney failure

For more information on the Blood Pressure Check Program and other resources available at Loblaw store pharmacies, please visit http://www.drugstorepharmacy.ca/.

** Source: Hypertension Canada (Canadian Hypertension Education Program - CHEP)

or to arrange an interview please contact:

Loblaw Companies Limited
905-459-2500/pr@loblaw.ca

Need assistance to manage high blood pressure? Pharmacists at Atlantic Superstore® locations can help

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:54:00 -0400

BRAMPTON, ON, May 17, 2013 /CNW/ - TSX:L: Today pharmacists at Atlantic Superstore^®, SaveEasy^® and nofrills^®locations are celebrating World Hypertension Day by reminding Canadians to have regular blood pressure checks. In partnership with Hypertension Canada, pharmacists at these locations recently introduced the Blood Pressure Check Program, an easy, convenient option for consumers to better understand how to manage their blood pressure. The program is exclusive to Loblaw store pharmacies. Please visit http://www.drugstorepharmacy.ca/ to find a location.

**What should Canadians know about hypertension?

Hypertension is the leading risk of premature death ahead of smoking and infectious diseases
One in five Canadians have high blood pressure
Nine out of ten Canadians will get hypertension in their lifetime
70 per cent of strokes are caused by hypertension
High blood pressure can also cause heart attacks and heart and kidney failure

For more information on the Blood Pressure Check Program and other resources available at Loblaw store pharmacies, please visit http://www.drugstorepharmacy.ca/.

** Source: Hypertension Canada (Canadian Hypertension Education Program - CHEP)

or to arrange an interview please contact:

Loblaw Companies Limited
905-459-2500/pr@loblaw.ca

Need assistance to manage high blood pressure? Pharmacists at Loblaws® and Real Canadian Superstore® locations can help

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:39:00 -0400

BRAMPTON, ON, May 17, 2013 /CNW/ - TSX:L: Today pharmacists at Loblaw banner stores are celebrating World Hypertension Day by reminding Canadians to have regular blood pressure checks. In partnership with Hypertension Canada, pharmacists at Loblaw banner stores recently introduced the Blood Pressure Check Program, an easy, convenient option for consumers to better understand how to manage their blood pressure. The program is exclusive to Loblaw store pharmacies. Loblaw banner stores in Ontario include Loblaws^®, Loblaw greatfood™, Zehrs Markets^®,Zehrs greatfood™, Fortinos^®, Real Canadian Superstore^®, Your Independent Grocer^®, valumart^® and nofrills^®.Please visit http://www.drugstorepharmacy.ca/ to find a location.

**What should Canadian's know about hypertension?

Hypertension is the leading risk of premature death ahead of smoking and infectious diseases
One in five Canadians have high blood pressure
Nine out of ten Canadians will get hypertension in their lifetime
70 per cent of strokes are caused by hypertension
High blood pressure can also cause heart attacks and heart and kidney failure

For more information on the Blood Pressure Check Program and other resources available at Loblaw store pharmacies, please visit http://www.drugstorepharmacy.ca/.

** Source: Hypertension Canada (Canadian Hypertension Education Program - CHEP)

or to arrange an interview please contact:

Loblaw Companies Limited
905-459-2500/pr@loblaw.ca

Important Safety Notice: Voluntary Recall Joe Fresh Sleeper

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:48:00 -0400

BRAMPTON, ON, May 16, 2013 – Out of an abundance of caution, Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) is proactively and voluntarily recalling pink heart print and purple floral print versions of a children’s Joe Fresh Short Sleeper because there is potential that the snaps could come loose.

The potentially impacted products were sold between February 2013 and May 2013, style number BGU3SL3813 with the UPCs: purple floral print (0-3M 057846385402, 3-6M 057846385433, 6-12M 057846385440, 12-18M 057846385419, 18-24M 057846385426); pink heart print (0-3M 057846349671, 3-6M 057846349688, 6-12M 057846349695, 12-18M 057846349701, 18-24M 057846349718) from these select Loblaw banner stores:

Ontario: Joe Fresh, Real Canadian Superstore, Fortinos, Loblaws, No Frills, Extra Foods, Your Independent Grocer, Zehrs

Atlantic: Atlantic Superstore, Dominion

Québec: Joe Fresh, Maxi & Cie, Loblaws

West: Joe Fresh, Real Canadian Superstore, Extra Foods, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, No Frills, Your Independent Grocer

For a complete list of stores please visit: http://joefresh.com/en/stores

All potentially affected products have been removed from store shelves across the country.

Customers can return the product to any Loblaw banner store where Joe Fresh apparel is sold and the customer service desk will provide a full refund (including without receipt) or contact customer service at 1-800-296-2332 or customerservice@joefresh.com.

We apologize for any concern this voluntary recall may have caused. The health and safety of our customers is paramount to us and we are committed to providing our customers with a clean and safe store environment and offering products that are produced, sourced and handled responsibly.

For more information regarding the voluntary recall, customers can contact:
Customer Service 1-800-296-2332 or customerservice@joefresh.com.

-30-

For more information: PR@loblaw.ca

Joe Fresh Children’s Short Sleeper BGU3SL3813

Purple UPCs:

0-3 M 057846385402

3-6 M 057846385433

6-12M 057846385440

12-18M 057846385419

18-24M 057846385426

Pink UPCs:

0-3M 057846349671

3-6M 057846349688

6-12M 057846349695

12-18M 057846349701

18-24M 057846349718

Important Safety Notice: Voluntary Recall of Joe Fresh Sleeper

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:17:00 -0400

BRAMPTON, ON, May 16, 2013 /CNW/ - Out of an abundance of caution, Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) is proactively and voluntarily recalling pink heart print and purple floral print versions of a children's Joe Fresh Short Sleeper because there is potential that the snaps could come loose.

Ontario:	Joe Fresh, Real Canadian Superstore, Fortinos, Loblaws, No Frills, Extra Foods, Your Independent Grocer, Zehrs

Atlantic:	Atlantic Superstore, Dominion

Québec:	Joe Fresh, Maxi & Cie, Loblaws

West:	Joe Fresh, Real Canadian Superstore, Extra Foods, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, No Frills, Your Independent Grocer

For a complete list of stores please visit: http://joefresh.com/en/stores

All potentially affected products have been removed from store shelves across the country.

For more information regarding the voluntary recall, customers can contact: Customer Service 1-800-296-2332 or customerservice@joefresh.com.

Joe Fresh Children's Short Sleeper BGU3SL3813

Purple UPCs:	Pink UPCs:
0-3 M 057846385402	0-3M 057846349671
3-6 M 057846385433	3-6M 057846349688
6-12M 057846385440	6-12M 057846349695
12-18M 057846385419	12-18M 057846349701
18-24M 057846385426	18-24M 057846349718

PR@loblaw.ca

Make Gardening Season a Snap with a Visit to Your Local Grocer

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:59:00 -0400

Real Canadian Superstore^® and Extra Foods^® offer outdoor Garden Centre plants sourced from Canadian growers

BRAMPTON, ON, May 16, 2013 /CNW/ - (TSX:L) - Searching for brilliant flowering baskets, gorgeous blooms, edible plants, and stunning designer planters? Then look no further than the outdoor Garden Centres at your local grocery stores like Real Canadian Superstore^®, Your Independent Grocer^®, nofrills^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™.

"I can't wait to see our customers' reaction when they see what we have come up with for them this year. We have many exclusives they won't find elsewhere, plus exciting products and new plants in colours we are sure will take their breath away," says Peter Cantley, garden guru and vice-president Floral & Garden, Loblaw Companies Limited.

All non-tropical outdoor Garden Centre plants sold in Loblaw banner stores are sourced from Canadian growers who advise us on what will grow well in Canadian gardens from coast to coast.

Cultivate your wish list and help grow your best garden ever by picking up a copy of our 2013 President's Choice^®Insider's Report^®Garden Edition, which will be available in-store and online at pc.ca on May 31.

In the meantime, here are some highlights.

Big, Bold, Brilliant Baskets

This season, we've redesigned our Jumbo Hanging Basket to give it an extra oomph. It is available in 2 great colours - apple green and plum. The best part for your flowers is that it's big and roomy, which is important because a larger soil capacity helps keep plants from drying out. Chic but understated, the new design allows annuals to steal the show. If you love the colour combo pink, blue and white like our Garden Guru Peter, we suggest you try our new and exclusive PC^® Gigantico^® Jumbo Premium Hanging Basket Sun Combo featuring geranium and verbena twister pink.

In our annual search for hot exclusives at the California Spring Trials, we saw three versions of a new striped verbena, but the colour intensity of the Voodoo Star Red struck us as extraordinary. Big and super-bushy, it may be the best verbena we've ever offered in our Garden Centres. And since this trailer blooms like mad all summer, you really should try our new PC^® Gigantico^® Deluxe Premium Hanging Basket Voodoo Star Red Verbena.

Chic and rich in colour the new and exclusive PC^® Gigantico^® Jumbo Premium Hanging Basket- Illumination Begonia is sure to stop you in your tracks, because of the sheer number of blooms!

Beautiful Blooms

We've been in the garden business for more than three decades, so when we say our new and exclusive PC^® Super Gigantico™ Dahlia - Dahlinova Hypnotica Tequila Sunrise may be the most beautiful flower we've ever offered, that's really saying something. Almost profound in their magnificence, they are full of the orange and coral blooms. Cut them and bring them inside so you won't miss a moment!

Carman, Manitoba based Vanderveen's Greenhouses Ltd, is responsible for growing the new PC^® Super Gigantico™ Dahlia - Dahlinova Hypnotica Tequila Sunrise and has been working with the President's Choice^®brand team for 10 years. "When we saw how this flower bloomed to look like intricate orgami, we knew it would become a new favourite among Canadian gardeners," says Kelvin Vanderveen, Vanderveen's Greenhouses Ltd.
With blooms like succulent red shrimp ripe for the plucking, our new and exclusive President's Choice^® Shrimp Braid is quite the conversation piece.

We're not exaggerating when we say our new PC^®Super Gigantico^TM Sunpatiens Hot Coral gets big. Just how big? So much so that it can resemble a shrub or hedge that's loaded with a mass of ravishing blooms. And it's bred for the sun and heat, so it has serious stamina! You can find this exclusive beauty in either hot coral or red.

Edible treasures

These days, you can grow virtually all the ingredients for your summer salads right in your own backyard. Our new President's Choice^® Mighty 'Mato plants grow up to a towering six feet tall! We graft wonderful tomato varieties, including the delicious heirloom variety Brandywine, onto a super rootstock that absorbs nutrients out of the soil, acting like a power generator for the plant. We even developed the PC^® Mighty 'Mato Tomato Cage to support these enormous tomato plants.

Canadian summers provide the perfect climate for growing fresh fruit for your family and it's easier than you think. Canada's own Vineland Research & Innovation Centre is the home of some fantastic garden developments. A great example is our new and exclusive President's Choice^® Pixie™ Grapevine that you can actually grow in a pot! Providing adorable mini clusters of juicy grapes you can eat or make wine with, this amazing new dwarf grapevine means new opportunities for home growers. Keep it on the deck or patio as a great conversation starter!

Last year, we had huge success with plump, juicy Haskap berries - an exciting new fruit that tastes like a cross between blueberries, raspberries and Saskatoon berries. So for this year, our breeder suggested planting two compatible varieties in one pot for proper cross-pollination, the process that ensures fruit and lots of it. The new and exclusive President's Choice^® 2 in 1 Haskap plant is one of the earliest fruits of the season and they're perfect for jam, baking or enjoying by the handful.

Canadian Exclusives

We've had so much success working directly with breeders to get exclusives on the hottest new annuals that now we're trying it with perennials. Recently, we visited plant trials at Walters Gardens in Michigan, US where they specialize in perennial plant breeding. One of our best discoveries is our exclusive new President's Choice^® Heuchera Amber Lady. Vibrant reddish orange maple-leaf-type foliage transforms throughout the season to provide a splashy display of colour. Compact, it grows into a nice large mound. It's super-hardy and will do well in sun or part shade!

It's already loaded with purple bell-shaped flowers when it arrives in our outdoor Garden Centres, so don't be surprised if our new and exclusive President's Choice^® Purple Get Mee^TM Campanula draws you in. A perennial that acts like an annual, the rich blooms come back throughout summer to fall.

We love how the petals of this flower form an inner ring of purple. We don't know how our PC^® Gigantico^® Lanai^® Twister Purple Verbena figured out how to design itself, but we do know we can't get enough of this stunning purple flower. Look for this and our new Red Twister - both exclusive to us!

Grasses are Back!

Lately, ornamental grasses have been really in demand in our outdoor Garden Centres. One of our most popular is the tall and stately PC^® Feather Reed Grass - Karl Foerster. develops pretty plumes in mid-summer and come fall, they turn golden and sway and rustle with the wind. Try it grouped with Festuca Boulder Blue grass, Echinacea and Geranium Rozanne.

Add a bright blue accent to your garden with our PC^® Boulder Blue Festuca, a cascading mound that works well with almost any perennial.

Our favorite new grass is PC^® Miniature Fountain Grass - Burgundy Bunny which is ideal in a planter or mass planting. In July, the white tips of our Miniature Fountain Grass turn bright red to glorious effect, signaling a transformation of the entire plant to burgundy.

Canadian gardeners can find expert assistance and learn more about these and other wonderful products featured in the Insider's Report^® found at Loblaw Garden Centres and online at pc.ca. The President's Choice^®brand can also be found on Facebook and Twitter (@preschoice #PCGarden).

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
In 2008, Loblaw introduced Canada's first and only national recycling program for gardeners. Exclusive to Loblaw banner stores, gardeners across the country can drop off their used plastic pots and flats where they are not accepted by municipal recycling programs. The plastic products are then recycled to create new pots and flats for the next season. Gardeners can also return used pots and flats purchased at any garden centre to Loblaw stores and receive a $5 coupon* for a minimum of 25 pots or flats returned, to be redeemed when they spend a minimum of $50 on gardening products from the outdoor Garden Centres.

Through this unique program more than five million pounds of plastic flower pots and flats have been diverted from landfill since 2008. To learn more about Loblaw's commitment to corporate social responsibility visit www.loblaw-reports.ca.

President's Choice^® products are available at Real Canadian Superstore^®, Your Independent Grocer^®, nofrills^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™.

*Coupon valid from May 10 - July 4, 2013. Coupons can be found at cash registers of participating Garden Centres.

*$5.00 will be deducted from your total purchase amount of $50 or more before sales taxes are applied. Coupon valid May 10 to July 4, 2013. One coupon per purchase. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. No monetary value. No copies accepted. Coupon is redeemable at participating Garden Centre locations only.

Product samples, regional versions of the President's Choice^® Lawn & Garden Insider's Report^®and high-resolution images are available.

For further information or to arrange an interview with Peter Cantley or an Ontario Loblaw grower, please contact:

Loblaw Companies Limited
905-459-2500/pr@loblaw.ca

Stephanie Gough, Hill Knowlton Strategies
(403) 268-7853/Stephanie.Gough@hkstrategies.ca

LOBLAW COMPANIES, OWNER OF JOE FRESH BRAND, COMMITS TO THE ACCORD ON FIRE AND BUILDING SAFETY IN BANGLADESH

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:35:00 -0400

Loblaw Companies, owner of Joe Fresh brand, today announces its commitment to sign the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh, a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to improve worker safety and better the Bangladeshi garment industry.

This decision reflects the Company’s pledge to stay in Bangladesh and underscores its firm belief that active collaboration by retail and manufacturing industries, government and non-governmental organization, is critical to driving effective and lasting change in Bangladesh.

The Accord aligns with and addresses the Company’s commitments to a new standard that all of its control brand products must be made in facilities that respect local construction and building codes. Loblaw will maintain its promise to have its own people on the ground in Bangladesh; they will report directly to the Company, Canadian to Canadian, reflecting Canadian values.

Make summer entertaining a breeze with a visit to your local grocer

Tue, 14 May 2013 05:59:00 -0400

HALIFAX, May 14, 2013 /CNW/ - (TSX:L) - Summer is right around the corner and you might be surprised to know that the grocery store can be your one-stop-shop for all your summer entertaining needs! Whether it's hosting sunny outdoor barbecues or entertaining under the stars, check out your local Real Canadian Superstore^® and Extra Foods^® locations for more than 88 New and 10 Must Try President's Choice^® foods. As well, look for fresh exciting twists on fan favourites from past summers.

"If there's one thing that's universally Canadian, it's that we love when summer finally arrives. This summer, the team behind the President's Choice^® brand wants to help free you from the kitchen with a variety of delicious foods and easy-to-prepare meals and entertaining ideas that will impress your guests," says Dana Speers, executive chef, President's Choice^®brand.

To help you prepare your grocery list, check out the 2013 President's Choice^® Summer Insider's Report^® which is available online at pc.ca on May 17 or in-store at Atlantic Superstore^®, nofrills^®, Dominion^® and Save Easy^®locations in Atlantic Canada.

Here are six summer entertaining tips from Chef Dana that will help you make this summer your summer of freedom.

Tip #1 - Beef up the Party

Nothing says summer more than the smell of the barbecue! This summer, fire up your grill and serve your guests tasty burgers from our PC^® Free From^® line. Not only are they all raised without the use of hormones and antibiotics, but they taste great too! Try serving our best-selling PC^® Free From^®Angus Beef Burgers, or our new PC^® Free From^® Angus Sliders Mini Angus Beef Burgers both loaded with the rich meaty flavour your guests will love.

Want something different than burgers? Try our new PC^® Free From^®Original Smoked Sausages, our new PC^® Free From^® Hot Dogs, our new PC^® Free From^® Bacon or our PC^® Free From^® Air-Chilled Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, which are vegetable grain-fed and raised without the use of antibiotics and hormones*.

Tip #2- Liven up your seafood

Our new line of seafood marinades, dips and finishing sauces can help you create a restaurant-inspired seafood dish right at home for your guests. Try our PC^® Provençale sauce, inspired by the fresh seafood dishes of southern France, this coastal Mediterranean sauce is a lively blend of tomato, red wine, fennel and more. Or try our PC^® Sicilian Agrodolce sauce, made with olives, raisins and red peppers that capture the flavours of Sicily, or our PC^® Tandoori Yogurt sauce that uses traditional Indian tandoor to create a charred flavour, blended with the creaminess of yogurt.

Visit pc.ca to see all the tantalizing flavours and to learn which sauce will pair beautifully with your fish or shellfish!

Tip #3- Get outside and entertain alfresco

Put a twist on traditional barbecue and serve our new PC^® Cedar Plank Brie as a mouth-watering creamy appetizer that's sure to wow your guests. The wood protects the luxurious-tasting double-cream Brie from the flames while the charring wood imbues it with heavenly smoke flavour. And to make it as easy as possible, our PC^® Memories Of^® Tuscany Sauce is included to spread on top and add sweet and tangy notes to the creamy cheese.

Tip #4- Set the bar with summer bevvies

Serving up some knock 'em dead summer beverages will give your guests an experience they won't forget! Our exciting new cocktail recipes such as our Frozen Mango Peach Bellini using our new PC^® World of Fruit Mango Juice, or our Coco-Nutty Cocktail that uses our new PC^® Coconut Water with Pineapple, are refreshing options you'll want to serve all summer.

Looking to serve something straight up? Try our new delicious PC^® Blue Menu^® Sodium-Free Mandarin Orange Sparkling Water with natural flavour or our new PC^® Sparkling Teas with Green Tea and Honey flavours.

Tip #5- Make D.I.Y. Treats

The crowd will come running when you set out an array of dazzling treats they can use to create their own ice cream masterpieces. Our tasty new flavours of ice cream such as our PC^® black label Passion Fruit Ice Cream and our PC^® Cream First™ Peanut Butter Ice Cream will surely impress. Or set up your own ice cream bar and the kids will all scream for ice cream! And thanks to our PC^® Mini Waffle Bowls, and our new delectable toppings such as our PC^® Ice Cream Shop Flavours Sugar Cone Topping or our PC^® Dark Sweet Cherries, your cool factor as a host is about to rise sky-high!

Tip # 6- Make your desserts healthier by going Greek!

Admittedly, we're a bit fanatical about finding new ways to offer Greek Yogurt - that's how much we've grown to love it and we're sure your guests will love it too! Our new PC^® Passion Fruit Topped Greek Yogurt Cheesecake is a game changer as far as cheesecakes go. It's made with 0% M.F. Greek yogurt so it's tangy and extra fluffy with an exotic fruitiness. Or, try our glorious low-fat Greek yogurt smoothie bars such as our PC^® Blue Menu^® Greek Yogurt Caramel Smoothie Bars or our PC^® Greek Yogurt Strawberry Smoothie.

*all chicken and pork in Canada are raised without the use of hormones

Product samples, regional versions of the President's Choice^® Summer Insider's Report^®and high-resolution images are available.

About Loblaw Companies Limited TSX:L

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice®, no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^®services and offers the PC^® points and PC Plus™ loyalty program.

Loblaw Public Relations Department
905-459-2500/ pr@loblaw.ca

Make Gardening Season a Snap with a Visit to Your Local Grocer

Thu, 09 May 2013 06:59:00 -0400

Loblaws^® and Real Canadian Superstore^® offer outdoor Garden Centre plants sourced from Canadian growers

BRAMPTON, ON, May 9, 2013 /CNW/ - Searching for brilliant flowering baskets, gorgeous blooms, edible plants, and stunning designer planters? Then look no further than the outdoor Garden Centres at your local grocery stores like Loblaws^®, Zehrs Markets^®, Fortinos^®, Real Canadian Superstore^®, Your Independent Grocer^®, valumart^® and nofrills^®.

All non-tropical outdoor Garden Centre plants sold in Loblaw banner stores are sourced from Canadian growers who advise us on what will grow well in Canadian gardens from coast to coast.

Cultivate your wish list and help grow your best garden ever by picking up a copy of our 2013 President's Choice^®Insider's Report^®Garden Edition, which will be arriving in-store and online at pc.ca starting May 10.

In the meantime, here are some highlights.

Big, Bold, Brilliant Baskets

Chic and rich in colour the new and exclusive PC^® Gigantico^® Jumbo Premium Hanging Basket- Illumination Begonia is sure to stop you in your tracks, because of the sheer number of blooms!

Beautiful Blooms

We've been in the garden business for more than three decades, so when we say our new and exclusive PC^® Super Gigantico™ Dahlia - Dahlinova Hypnotica Tequila Sunrise may be the most beautiful flower we've ever offered, that's really saying something. Almost profound in their magnificence, the orange and coral blooms look like intricate origami. Cut them and bring them inside so you won't miss a moment!

With blooms like succulent red shrimp ripe for the plucking, our new and exclusive President's Choice^® Shrimp Braid is quite the conversation piece.

Edible treasures

These days, you can grow virtually all the ingredients for your summer salads right in your own backyard. Our new President's Choice^® Mighty 'Mato plants grow up to a towering six feet tall! We graft wonderful tomato varieties, including the delicious heirloom variety Brandywine, onto a super rootstock that absorbs nutrients out of the soil, acting like a power generator for the plant. We even developed the PC® Mighty 'Mato Tomato Cage to support these enormous tomato plants.

Vineland, Ontario-based Martin Farms, is responsible for growing the new President's Choice^® Mighty 'Mato plants and has been working with the President's Choice^®brand team for 10 years. "When we saw how this large and plentiful tomato continued to mature throughout the season we all knew it would become a new favourite among Canadian gardeners," says Bob Martin, Martin Farms.

Canadian Exclusives

Grasses are Back!

Add a bright blue accent to your garden with our PC^® Boulder Blue Festuca, a cascading mound that works well with almost any perennial.

President's Choice^® products are available at Loblaws^®, Zehrs Markets^®, Fortinos^®, Real Canadian Superstore^®, Your Independent Grocer^®, valumart^® and nofrills^®. Product pricing and availability may vary by banner and region.

*Coupon valid from May 10 - July 4, 2013. Coupons can be found at cash registers of participating Garden Centres.

Product samples, regional versions of the President's Choice^® Lawn & Garden Insider's Report^®and high-resolution images are available.

or to arrange an interview with Peter Cantley or an Ontario Loblaw grower, please contact:

Loblaw Companies Limited
905-459-2500/pr@loblaw.ca

Jennifer Ouellette, Hill Knowlton Strategies
416-413-4774 / jennifer.ouellette@hkstrategies.ca

The President's Choice® The Decadent® Chocolate Chip Cookie turns 25!

Wed, 08 May 2013 04:59:00 -0400

Over a third of Newfoundlanders eat more than one cookie a day*, survey says

ST. JOHN’S, May 8, 2013 /CNW/ - (TSX:L) One of Canada's most iconic treats, the President's Choice^® The Decadent^® Chocolate Chip Cookie turns 25 this year! To mark the occasion, the team behind President's Choice^® have created a special limited edition The Decadent^® cookie tin and filled it with two 300 gram bags of cookies. They also asked Canadians about their cookie cravings - the survey results are just as fascinating as the history of President's Choice^® The Decadent^® Chocolate Chip Cookie. Finally, later this year many new tasty treats inspired by our customers love for the Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie will hit store shelves - stay tuned!

Hurry in to grocery stores like Save Easy^® and Dominion^® locations in Newfoundland and Labrador to pick up the limited edition tin.

The History of the President's Choice^® The Decadent^® Chocolate Chip Cookie

In 1987, the team behind the President's Choice^® brand set out on a mission to create the best, homemade tasting chocolate chip cookie. After hundreds of hours of taste testing, they ultimately created the rich and crumbly cookie made with fresh creamy butter and the maximum number of chocolate chips that could be crammed in. Twenty-five years later, the recipe remains the same.

"We knew we had found our cookie when our experts couldn't get enough and exclaimed "they're beyond good, they're totally DECADENT!!," says Paul Uys, the lead product developer in 1987. "We all agreed that the cookie absolutely had to be named as such and we had one of the best President's Choice^® products ever created."

The President's Choice^® Cookie Survey*: Read how the cookie crumbles in each province

Late night delight- Even though 30 per cent of Newfoundlanders like eating their cookies as a late night snack, even more Quebecers (66 per cent) eat their cookies as a midnight treat, compared to eight per cent of Saskatchewanians and 14 per cent of Manitobans who like eating cookies for breakfast and 38 per cent of Albertans who eat cookies whenever they can get their hands on them! As well, 15 per cent of Prince Edward Islanders and New Brunswickers prefer to eat their cookies during happy hour. The survey found that about half of Canadians like eating their cookie as a late night snack.
Beverage of choice- About five out of 10 Newfoundlanders along with six out of 10 New Brunswickers, Nova Scotians, Manitobans, British Columbians and Ontarians prefer to eat their cookies with tea and coffee, whereas five out of 10 Albertans and Quebecers prefer to eat their cookies with a cold glass of milk and about one out of four Prince Edward Islanders enjoy their cookies with pop or juice. Almost six out of 10 Canadians prefer to drink tea or coffee with their cookies.
Watch out for crumbs- Over a third of Newfoundlanders eat their cookies anywhere they can, compared to roughly half of Albertans, Saskatchewanians, Nova Scotians, Prince Edward Islanders and Ontarians who like to eat their cookies in the kitchen. Eighteen per cent of Albertans also like to eat their cookies in bed, along with 30 per cent of New Brunswickers who like to eat their cookies at work. As a whole, 52 per cent of Canadians like to eat their cookies in the kitchen.
Cookie lovers- Over a third of Newfoundlanders eat more than one cookie a day, compared to half of Quebecers who eat more than one cookie a day and half of all Ontarians who eat less than one cookie a day. Overall in Canada, almost half of Canadians eat less than one cookie a day.
Chocolate chip mania- Thirty-eight per cent of Newfoundlanders say that chocolate chip cookies are their favourite kind of cookie, compared to 50 per cent of Prince Edward Islanders, 49 per cent of New Brunswickers and 42 per cent of Saskatchewanians. Canadians as a whole prefer chocolate chip, as 45 per cent of Canadians say that they prefer chocolate chip.
The more chocolate, the better- Of those who have tried the President's Choice^® The Decadent^® Cookies, 41 per cent of New Brunswickers and Saskatchewanians prefer the President's Choice^® The Decadent^® Chocolate Chip Cookie, compared to 47 per cent of Albertans who say that the President's Choice^® The Decadent^® Chocolate Chunk Cookie is their favourite kind of President's Choice^® Cookie. Nova Scotia, compared to any other province, prefers the President's Choice^® The Decadent^® Peanut Butter Cookie at 22 per cent. Overall, 45 per cent of Canadians preferred the President's Choice^® The Decadent^® Chocolate Chip Cookie
Keeping it in the family- Of those who have tried the President's Choice^® The Decadent^® Cookies, 17 per cent of Newfoundlanders were introduced to the President's Choice^® The Decadent^® Cookies by a friend, compared to 19 per cent of Ontarians who were introduced to the President's Choice^® The Decadent^® Cookie by a parent, and four per cent of Albertans who were introduced to the President's Choice^® The Decadent^® Cookie by a grandparent.

Survey Method

*Vision Critical conducted an online survey on March 20, 2013 among 1,567 randomly selected Canadians aged 18+ across all provinces who have consumed a cookie in the past 6 months, and who are Angus Reid Forum panelists. The margin of error—which measures sampling variability—is +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current education, age, gender and region Census data to ensure a sample representative of the entire adult population of Canada. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

About Loblaw Companies Limited TSX:L

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice®, no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial® services and offers the PC® points and PC Plus™ loyalty program.

or to arrange an interview please contact:

Loblaw Companies Limited
905-459-2500/pr@loblaw.ca

Loblaw Companies Limited Announces Election of Directors

Fri, 03 May 2013 17:51:00 -0400

TORONTO, May 3, 2013 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) (TSX: L) today announced that all of the nominee directors listed in the management proxy circular dated March 18, 2013, were elected as directors of Loblaw. The vote was conducted at the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which took place on May 2, 2013 in Toronto. The results of the vote are set out below:

Name of Nominee	Votes For	Percent	Votes Withheld	Percent
Stephen E. Bachand	247,988,194	97.99%	5,098,763	2.01%
Paul M. Beeston	252,828,084	99.90%	259,022	0.10%
Warren Bryant	252,939,908	99.94%	147,200	0.06%
Christie J.B. Clark	252,955,449	99.95%	131,659	0.05%
Gordon A.M. Currie	252,035,631	99.58%	1,051,477	0.42%
Anthony S. Fell	247,414,238	97.76%	5,672,870	2.24%
Christiane Germain	252,693,063	99.84%	394,045	0.16%
Anthony R. Graham	236,751,408	93.55%	16,335,700	6.45%
John S. Lacey	252,629,757	99.82%	457,351	0.18%
Nancy H.O. Lockhart	247,923,667	97.96%	5,163,441	2.04%
Thomas C. O'Neill	248,002,587	97.99%	5,084,521	2.01%
Vicente Trius	252,631,253	99.82%	455,855	0.18%
Galen G. Weston	241,950,612	95.60%	11,136,012	4.40%
John D. Wetmore	252,951,006	99.95%	136,102	0.05%

Final results on all matters voted at the Annual Meeting held on May 2, 2013 will be filed shortly with the Canadian securities regulators.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice®, no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial® services and offers the PC® points and PC Plus™ loyalty program.

Jonathan Ross
Director, Investor Relations
905-459-2500 X617649
investor@loblaw.ca

Update May 3: Statement Concerning Bangladesh Building Collapse

Fri, 03 May 2013 13:00:00 -0400

We continue to express our condolences to those affected in Savar, Bangladesh and we are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our priorities are helping impacted employees and their families, and driving change to help prevent similar incidents like this in the future.

Joe Fresh Creative Director Joe Mimran and Loblaw Chairman Galen Weston are committed to these three immediate steps to address the issue of worker safety. These include:

• A relief fund for victims and their families to provide support now and in the future;
• A new standard at Loblaw, ensuring all of our control brand products are made in facilities that respect local construction and building codes; and
• A commitment to have Loblaw people on the ground who will report directly to us to ensure that the product that we produce is made in a manner that reflects our values.

We’ve engaged with a number of organizations including the Retail Council of Canada, NGOs, and international audit companies to gain input into potential solutions. We are sending senior Loblaw Companies representatives to Bangladesh to meet with local officials and organizations as part of our commitment to address the issue of working safety.

Loblaws Inc. vendor standards are designed to ensure that products are manufactured in a socially responsible way, for a safe and sustainable work environment. Our audits align with those of industry around the world, but we recognize that these measures do not address the issue of building construction or integrity. Loblaw is committed to finding solutions to this situation by expanding the scope of our requirements to ensure the physical safety of workers producing our products.

Please be assured we are taking steps to drive change, and to finding solutions to ensure safe working conditions at the production facilities with which we do business.

Media Advisory and Photo Call - Loblaw launches the PC Plus™ loyalty program

Fri, 03 May 2013 06:59:00 -0400

Fully digital program rewards customers weekly with offers on the food they love most

BRAMPTON, ON, May 3, 2013 /CNW/ - (TSX: L) - Today, Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) introduced its revolutionary loyalty program, PC Plus™, in Ontario Loblaws^® banner stores. Designed for a smart phone, the PC Plus™ program is a fully digital program that through personalized offers will help customers save money, save time and feed their family in a convenient way.

The PC Plus™ program pays attention to what customers do, the products they buy and the offers they redeem to create a customized experience that is just right for each individual customer. The more customers shop and interact with the PC Plus™ program, the more personalized offers become. And, at its core is the PC^® points program, which means customers earn points to put towards dollars off their grocery bill.

Providing savings to customers is a very important aspect of the PC Plus™ program, but it does much more. The PC Plus™ program will also make it easier for customers to plan and shop for meals for the week. It provides meal recommendations based on a combination of what's on sale and the foods customers like to buy. The program has an integrated shopping list, which allows customers to add foods to their list from Loblaws^® flyers, from recipes and from their personalized points offers.

To register for the PC Plus™ program, shoppers can pick up a free PC Plus™ card in Ontario Loblaws^® banner stores and start earning points right away or they can download the PC Plus™ app for Blackberry 10, iPhone or Android smart phones. Or, President's Choice Financial customers simply need to register their PC Financial^® Mastercard^® or no-fee debit card to add the PC Plus™ program to their existing account.

Loblaw is hosting a special PC Plus™ program media event

When:		Monday, May 6, 2013
		11:00 a.m.

Where:		Loblaws store at Maple Leaf Gardens
		2^nd Floor, Cooking School
		60 Carlton Street

Who:		Uwe Stueckmann, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Loblaw
		Kathy Buckworth, Chief Family Advisor, PC Financial^®and PC Plus™

About Loblaw Companies Limited TSX:L

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^®brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^®services and offers the PC^® points and PC Plus™ loyalty program.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Loblaw Companies Limited
905-459-2500/pr@loblaw.ca

Loblaw Companies Limited to Host an Investor Teach-In Event Focused on the PC Plus™ Program

Thu, 02 May 2013 16:45:00 -0400

BRAMPTON, ON, May 2, 2013 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L) invites analysts and investors to take part in its inaugural teach-in webcast and conference call on May 6, 2013.

The purpose of the teach-in is to offer the investment community an in-depth view of the Company's innovative new loyalty program, the PC Plus™ program.

Time:
May 6, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. (ET)

Speakers:
Mr. Vicente Trius , President
Mr. Uwe Stueckmann , Senior Vice President, Marketing

Length:
20 minute presentation followed by a 40 minute Q&A session (60 minutes total)

Webcast:
The presentation will be accompanied by slides, which can be accessed by clicking the following link: webcast; or through the "Investor Centre" section of loblaw.ca.

Conference Call:
To access the conference call please dial (647) 427-7450 or (888) 231-8191

The playback will be made available two hours after the event at (416) 849-0833, access code: 49717981. To access the archived webcast please refer to the "Investor Centre" section of loblaw.ca.

About Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice® no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice® financial services and offers the PC® points loyalty program.

Jonathan Ross
Director, Investor Relations
905-459-2500 x617649
investor@loblaw.ca

Loblaw Companies Limited Reports 2013 First Quarter Results and Announces 9.1% Increase to Quarterly Common Share Dividend(1)

Wed, 01 May 2013 06:30:00 -0400

BRAMPTON, ON, May 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L) ("Loblaw" or the "Company") today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 23, 2013. The Company's first quarter report will be available in the Investor Centre section of the Company's website at loblaw.ca and will be filed with SEDAR and available at sedar.com.

2013 First Quarter Summary⁽¹⁾

Basic net earnings per common share of $0.61, including a $0.13 gain related to defined benefit plan amendments, compared to $0.43 in the first quarter of 2012.
EBITDA margin⁽²⁾ of 6.8%, or 6.1% excluding the gain related to defined benefit plan amendments, compared to 5.9% in the first quarter of 2012.
Revenue of $7,202 million, an increase of 3.8% over the first quarter of 2012.
Retail sales and same-store sales⁽³⁾ growth of 3.4% and 2.8%, respectively, compared to the first quarter of 2012.
Quarterly common share dividend increase of 9.1%, from $0.22 per common share to $0.24 per common share, which follows a 4.8% increase in the third quarter of 2012.

"Our fresh-led, customer-focused strategy is delivering results," said Galen G. Weston, Executive Chairman, Loblaw Companies Limited. "The first quarter showed continued evidence of momentum in our core business. Greater assortment and an improved in-store experience are resonating with customers, translating into same-store sales growth and positive trends in tonnage and market share. These trends were seen across the country and across our banners.

I look forward to the balance of the year with confidence. Despite the increasingly competitive environment, I believe that our improving customer experience and demonstrated ability to create leverage by driving cost savings and efficiencies will enable us to win in the marketplace and deliver value to our shareholders. Our dividend increase - the second time in the last six months - is part of our continued focus on enhancing shareholder value, and reflects the Board's conviction in management's long term strategy," concluded Mr. Weston.

Consolidated Quarterly Results of Operations


For the periods ended March 23, 2013 and March 24, 2012 (unaudited) (millions of Canadian dollars except where otherwise indicated)	2013 (12 weeks)	2012⁽⁴⁾ (12 weeks)	$ Change	% Change
Revenue	$ 7,202	$ 6,937	$ 265	3.8%
Operating income	309	239	70	29.3%
Net earnings	171	122	49	40.2%
Basic net earnings per common share ($)	0.61	0.43	0.18	41.9%
Operating margin⁽³⁾	4.3%	3.4%
EBITDA⁽²⁾	$ 492	$ 409	$ 83	20.3%
EBITDA margin⁽²⁾	6.8%	5.9%

(1)	This News Release contains forward-looking information. See Forward-Looking Statements in this News Release for a discussion of material factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the conclusions, forecasts and projections herein and of the material factors and assumptions that were used when making these statements. This News Release should be read in conjunction with Loblaw Companies Limited's filings with securities regulators made from time to time, all of which can be found at sedar.com and at loblaw.ca.
(2)	See Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this News Release.
(3)	For financial definitions and ratios refer to the Glossary of Terms on page 103 of the 2012 Annual Report.
(4)	Certain 2012 figures have been restated due to the implementation of revised IAS 19, "Employee Benefits". See the "Accounting Standards Implemented in 2013 and Changes in Significant Accounting Policies" section on page 18 of the Company's 2013 First Quarter Management's Discussion and Analysis.

During the first quarter of 2013, the Company announced amendments to certain of its defined benefit plans impacting certain employees retiring after January 1, 2015. As a result, in the first quarter of 2013, the Company recorded a gain of $51 million and will realize annual pre-tax savings of approximately $14 million related to these defined benefit plan amendments.
The $265 million increase in revenue compared to the first quarter of 2012 was driven by increases in both the Company's Retail and Financial Services operating segments, as described below.
Operating income increased by $70 million compared to the first quarter of 2012 as a result of an increase in Retail operating income of $54 million and an increase in Financial Services operating income of $16 million. Operating income included the following notable items:

A gain of $51 million (2012 - nil) related to the defined benefit plan amendments;
A $4 million charge (2012 - $15 million) related to the transition of certain Ontario conventional stores to the more cost effective and efficient operating terms under collective agreements ratified in the third quarter of 2010; and
An $8 million charge (2012 - $12 million) related to the effect of share-based compensation net of equity forwards.

Operating margin⁽¹⁾ was 4.3%, or 3.6% excluding the gain related to defined benefit plan amendments, for the first quarter of 2013 compared to 3.4% in the first quarter of 2012.
The increase in net earnings of $49 million compared to the first quarter of 2012 was primarily due to the increase in operating income, partially offset by an increase in the Company's effective income tax rate.
Basic net earnings per common share were impacted by the following notable items:

A gain of $0.13 (2012 - nil) related to the defined benefit plan amendments;
A $0.01 charge (2012 - $0.04) related to the transition of certain Ontario conventional stores to the operating terms under collective agreements ratified in 2010; and
A $0.02 charge (2012 - $0.04) related to the effect of share-based compensation net of equity forwards.

In the first quarter of 2013, the Company invested $119 million in capital expenditures.

The consolidated quarterly results by reportable operating segments were as follows:

Retail Results of Operations


For the periods ended March 23, 2013 and March 24, 2012 (unaudited)	2013	2012
(millions of Canadian dollars except where otherwise indicated)	(12 weeks)	(12 weeks)	$ Change	% Change
Sales	$ 7,037	$ 6,808	$ 229	3.4%
Gross profit	1,576	1,529	47	3.1%
Operating income	279	225	54	24.0%
Same-store sales⁽¹⁾ growth (decline)	2.8%	(0.7%)
Gross profit percentage	22.4%	22.5%
Operating margin⁽¹⁾	4.0%	3.3%

(1)	For financial definitions and ratios refer to the Glossary of Terms on page 103 of the 2012 Annual Report.

In the first quarter of 2013, the increase of $229 million, or 3.4%, in Retail sales over the same period in the prior year was impacted by the following factors:

Same-store sales⁽¹⁾ growth was 2.8% (2012 - decline of 0.7%) and excluding gas bar was 2.8% (2012 - decline of 0.9%), positively impacted by the shift in timing of certain holidays;
Sales growth in food was strong;
Sales growth in drugstore was modest;
Sales growth in gas bar was strong;
Sales in general merchandise, excluding apparel, declined marginally;
Sales in apparel were flat;
The Company's average quarterly internal food price index was flat during the first quarter of 2013 (2012 - modest inflation), which was lower than the average quarterly national food price inflation of 1.4% (2012 - 3.7%) as measured by "The Consumer Price Index for Food Purchased from Stores" ("CPI"). CPI does not necessarily reflect the effect of inflation on the specific mix of goods sold in Loblaw stores; and
20 corporate and franchise stores were opened and 12 corporate and franchise stores were closed in the last twelve months, resulting in a net increase of 0.2 million square feet, or 0.4%.

In the first quarter of 2013, gross profit increased by $47 million compared to the first quarter of 2012, mainly driven by higher sales. In the first quarter of 2013, gross profit percentage was 22.4%, a decrease from 22.5% in the first quarter of 2012. The decline was primarily driven by continued investments in food margins and fresh assortment and a change in sales mix, partially offset by lower transportation costs and margin improvements in drugstore and general merchandise, including apparel.
Operating income increased by $54 million, including the $51 million gain related to the defined benefit plan amendments, compared to the first quarter of 2012 and operating margin⁽¹⁾ was 4.0%, or 3.2% excluding the gain related to the defined benefit plan amendments, for the first quarter of 2013 compared to 3.3% in the same period in 2012. In addition to the notable items described in the Consolidated Quarterly Results of Operations above, operating income was negatively impacted by an increase in labour associated with higher sales, increased operating costs and the impact of foreign exchange, partially offset by increased gross profit.

Financial Services Results of Operations


For the periods ended March 23, 2013 and March 24, 2012 (unaudited) (millions of Canadian dollars except where otherwise indicated)	2013 (12 weeks)	2012 (12 weeks)	$ Change	% Change
Revenue	$ 165	$ 129	$ 36	27.9%
Operating income	30	14	16	114.3%
Earnings before income taxes	19	4	15	375.0%


	As at	As at
(millions of Canadian dollars except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)	March 23, 2013	March 24, 2012	$ Change	% Change
Average quarterly net credit card receivables	$ 2,240	$ 2,004	$ 236	11.8%
Credit card receivables	2,175	1,987	188	9.5%
Allowance for credit card receivables	43	37	6	16.2%
Annualized yield on average quarterly gross credit card receivables⁽¹⁾	13.5%	13.1%
Annualized credit loss rate on average quarterly gross credit card receivables⁽¹⁾	4.2%	4.5%

(1)	For financial definitions and ratios refer to the Glossary of Terms on page 103 of the 2012 Annual Report.

The 27.9% increase in revenue over the first quarter of 2012 was primarily driven by higher interest and interchange fee income as a result of increased credit card transaction values and higher credit card receivables balances and higher PC Telecom revenues resulting from growth in the Mobile Shop business.
The increases of $16 million in operating income and $15 million in earnings before income taxes compared to the first quarter of 2012 were mainly attributable to the higher revenue described above and lower costs related to the renegotiation of vendor contracts, partially offset by investments in the Mobile Shop business, higher credit card losses on higher receivables balances and higher PC points loyalty costs.

Real Estate Investment Trust Update

In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company announced its intention to create a Real Estate Investment Trust ("REIT") to acquire approximately 35 million square feet of Loblaw's real estate assets. Since that announcement, work has progressed according to plan. The Company expects to file a preliminary prospectus for the REIT in late May 2013 and to complete the Initial Public Offering ("IPO") of the REIT in early to mid-July of 2013, subject to prevailing market conditions and receipt of required regulatory approvals, including approval to list the units on the Toronto Stock Exchange. A highly experienced board of trustees has been selected and the senior management team for the REIT is now in place. Approximately 35 million square feet of property with a market value of at least $7 billion will be transferred to the REIT.

Outlook⁽¹⁾

The Company's outlook for 2013 remains unchanged. Over the past several quarters, the Company has strengthened its customer proposition and made significant progress with its information technology ("IT") infrastructure implementation. These initiatives, with investments in price, assortment and labour, are expected to be offset by operating efficiencies. Investments in infrastructure programs continue, as the IT system is rolled out to distribution centres and stores. Expenses associated with the implementation are expected to be flat to 2012. Sales growth in 2013 will be moderated by a competitive environment characterized by ongoing square footage expansions, a new competitor's entry into the market and generic drug deflation. As a result, the Company continues to expect modest growth in operating income in 2013, excluding the impact of the $61 million restructuring charge recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012, the impact of the previously announced plan to launch an IPO of a new REIT and the $51 million gain recorded in the first quarter associated with amendments to certain defined benefit plans.

In addition, the Company expects the following for 2013:

an effective tax rate in the range of 26% - 27%, compared to 24.9% in 2012;
the adoption of amendments to the accounting standard related to employee benefits, which will result in a restatement of the 2012 consolidated financial statements to reflect a reduction in net earnings in that year by approximately $16 million or $0.06 per share; and
capital expenditures to be approximately $1 billion, unchanged from 2012, with net new retail square footage growth of approximately 1%.

Longer term, the Company still expects positive same-store sales⁽²⁾, a decline in IT and supply chain costs, and a moderation of capital expenditures. This should result in growth in operating income, EBITDA⁽³⁾and an increase in free cash flow⁽³⁾.

(1)     See Forward-Looking Statements in this News Release.
(2)     For financial definitions and ratios refer to the Glossary of Terms on page 103 of the 2012 Annual Report.
(3)     See Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this News Release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This News Release for Loblaw Companies Limited contains forward-looking statements about the Company's objectives, plans, goals, aspirations, strategies, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, performance, prospects and opportunities. Specific statements with respect to anticipated future results, planned capital expenditures and future plans are included in the Outlook section of this News Release. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "foresee", "could", "estimate", "goal", "intend", "plan", "seek", "strive", "will", "may" and "should" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company and its management.

Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current estimates, beliefs and assumptions, which are based on management's perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. The Company's expectation of operating and financial performance in 2013 is based on certain assumptions including assumptions about revenue growth, anticipated cost savings and operating efficiencies, no unanticipated changes in the effective income tax rates, the Company's plan to increase net retail square footage by 1% and no unexpected adverse events or costs related to the Company's investments in IT and supply chain. The Company's estimates, beliefs and assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and other uncertainties and contingencies regarding future events and as such, are subject to change. The Company can give no assurance that such estimates, beliefs and assumptions will prove to be correct.

Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the estimates, beliefs and assumptions expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to:

failure to realize anticipated results, including revenue growth, anticipated cost savings or operating efficiencies from the Company's major initiatives, including those from restructuring;
failure to realize benefits from investments in the Company's IT systems, including the Company's IT systems implementation, or unanticipated results from these initiatives;
the inability of the Company's IT infrastructure to support the requirements of the Company's business;
heightened competition, whether from current competitors or new entrants to the marketplace;
changes in economic conditions including the rate of inflation or deflation, changes in interest and currency exchange rates and derivative and commodity prices;
public health events including those related to food safety;
failure to achieve desired results in labour negotiations, including the terms of future collective bargaining agreements, which could lead to work stoppages;
the inability of the Company to manage inventory to minimize the impact of obsolete or excess inventory and to control shrink;
the impact of potential environmental liabilities;
failure to respond to changes in consumer tastes and buying patterns;
reliance on the performance and retention of third-party service providers including those associated with the Company's supply chain and apparel business;
supply and quality control issues with vendors;
changes to the regulation of generic prescription drug prices and the reduction of reimbursement under public drug benefit plans and the elimination or reduction of professional allowances paid by drug manufacturers;
changes in the Company's income, commodity, other tax and regulatory liabilities including changes in tax laws, regulations or future assessments;
any requirement of the Company to make contributions to its registered funded defined benefit pension plans or the multi-employer pension plans in which it participates in excess of those currently contemplated;
the risk that the Company would experience a financial loss if its counterparties fail to meet their obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions of their contracts with the Company;
the inability of the Company to collect on its credit card receivables; and
failure to execute the IPO of the Company's proposed REIT could adversely affect the reputation, operations and financial performance of the Company.

This is not an exhaustive list of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. Other risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not material could also cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in its forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time, including the Enterprise Risks and Risk Management section of the Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") and the Enterprise Risks and Risk Management section on pages 23 to 31 of the Company's 2012 Annual Report - Financial Review. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's expectations only as of the date of this News Release. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company uses the following non-GAAP financial measures: EBITDA, EBITDA margin and free cash flow. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors in measuring the financial performance and financial condition of the Company for the reasons outlined below. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded companies, and should not be construed as an alternative to other financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP.

EBITDA and EBITDA Margin The following table reconciles earnings before income taxes, net interest expense and other financing charges and depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") to operating income, which is reconciled to GAAP net earnings measures reported in the consolidated statements of earnings for the 12 week periods ended March 23, 2013 and March 24, 2012. EBITDA is useful to management in assessing the performance of its ongoing operations and its ability to generate cash flows to fund its cash requirements, including the Company's capital investment program.

EBITDA margin is calculated as EBITDA divided by revenue.


		2013	2012⁽¹⁾
(millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)		(12 weeks)	(12 weeks)
Net earnings		$ 171	$ 122
Add impact of the following:
	Income taxes	62	38
	Net interest expense and other financing charges	76	79
Operating income		309	239
Add impact of the following:
	Depreciation and amortization	183	170
EBITDA		$ 492	$ 409

Free Cash Flow The following table reconciles free cash flow used in assessing the Company's financial condition to GAAP measures for the 12 week periods ended March 23, 2013 and March 24, 2012. In the first quarter of 2013, the Company refined its definition of free cash flow as cash flows used in operating activities less the change in credit card receivables, fixed asset purchases and interest paid. The Company believes that this definition of free cash flow is the appropriate measure in assessing the Company's cash available for additional funding and investing activities.


		2013	2012⁽¹⁾
(millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)		(12 weeks)	(12 weeks)
Cash flows used in operating activities		$ (29)	$ (57)
Less:	Change in credit card receivables	130	114
	Fixed asset purchases	119	134
	Interest paid	64	63
Free cash flow		$ (342)	$ (368)


(1)	Certain 2012 figures have been restated due to the implementation of revised IAS 19, "Employee Benefits". See the "Accounting Standards Implemented in 2013 and Changes in Significant Accounting Policies" section on page 18 of the Company's 2013 First Quarter Management's Discussion and Analysis.

Selected Financial Information

The following includes selected quarterly financial information, which is prepared by management in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and is based on the Company's 2013 First Quarter Report to Shareholders. This financial information does not contain all interim period disclosures required by IFRS, and accordingly, should be read in conjunction with the Company's 2012 Annual Report - Financial Review and 2013 First Quarter Report to Shareholders which are available in the Investor Centre section of the Company's website at loblaw.ca.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings


		March 23, 2013		March 24, 2012⁽¹⁾
(millions of Canadian dollars except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)		(12 Weeks)		(12 Weeks)
Revenue		$	7,202	$	6,937
Cost of Merchandise Inventories Sold			5,474		5,284
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses			1,419		1,414
Operating Income			309		239
Net interest expense and other financing charges			76		79
Earnings Before Income Taxes			233		160
Income taxes			62		38
Net Earnings		$	171	$	122
Net Earnings per Common Share ($)
	Basic	$	0.61	$	0.43
	Diluted	$	0.60	$	0.43

⁽¹⁾ Certain 2012 figures have been restated. See note 2 of the Company's First Quarter Report to Shareholders.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets


		As at		As at		As at
(millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)		March 23, 2013		March 24, 2012⁽¹⁾		December 29, 2012⁽¹⁾
Assets
Current Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	689	$	657	$	1,079
	Short term investments		854		780		716
	Accounts receivable		519		432		456
	Credit card receivables		2,175		1,987		2,305
	Inventories		1,951		1,926		2,007
	Income taxes recoverable		-		5		-
	Prepaid expenses and other assets		109		123		74
	Assets held for sale		35		18		30
Total Current Assets			6,332		5,928		6,667
Fixed Assets			8,919		8,694		8,973
Investment Properties			95		95		100
Goodwill and Intangible Assets			1,062		1,026		1,057
Deferred Income Taxes			249		241		260
Security Deposits			207		249		252
Franchise Loans Receivable			372		352		363
Other Assets			224		293		289
Total Assets		$	17,460	$	16,878	$	17,961
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
	Trade payables and other liabilities		3,211		3,079		3,720
	Provisions		64		37		78
	Income taxes payable		19		-		21
	Short term debt		905		905		905
	Long term debt due within one year		772		82		672
Total Current Liabilities			4,971		4,103		5,396
Provisions			64		50		59
Long Term Debt			4,901		5,489		4,997
Deferred Income Taxes			18		27		18
Capital Securities			223		222		223
Other Liabilities			741		882		849
Total Liabilities			10,918		10,773		11,542
Shareholders' Equity
Common Share Capital			1,574		1,542		1,567
Retained Earnings			4,895		4,507		4,792
Contributed Surplus			68		51		55
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			5		5		5
Total Shareholders' Equity			6,542		6,105		6,419
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity		$	17,460	$	16,878	$	17,961

(1)	Certain 2012 figures have been restated. See note 2 of the Company's First Quarter Report to Shareholders.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow


(millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)			March 23, 2013 (12 weeks)	March 24, 2012⁽¹⁾ (12 weeks)
Operating Activities
	Net earnings		$ 171	$ 122
	Income taxes		62	38
	Net interest expense and other financing charges		76	79
	Depreciation and amortization		183	170
	Income taxes paid		(64)	(69)
	Interest received		10	7
	Settlement of equity forward contracts		(16)	-
	Change in credit card receivables		130	114
	Change in non-cash working capital		(529)	(533)
	Fixed assets and other related impairments		-	3
	Gain on disposal of assets		(1)	-
	Gain on defined benefit plan amendments		(51)	-
	Other		-	12
Cash Flows used in Operating Activities			(29)	(57)
Investing Activities
	Fixed asset purchases		(119)	(134)
	Change in short term investments		(118)	(43)
	Proceeds from fixed asset sales		2	1
	Change in franchise investments and other receivables		8	(17)
	Change in security deposits		47	14
	Intangible asset additions		(9)	-
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities			(189)	(179)
Financing Activities
	Long term debt:
		Issued	10	23
		Retired	(26)	(29)
	Interest paid		(64)	(63)
	Dividends paid		(62)	-
	Common shares:
		Issued	11	2
		Purchased and held in trust	(46)	-
		Purchased for cancellation	-	(2)
Cash Flows used in Financing Activities			(177)	(69)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents			5	(4)
Change in cash and cash equivalents			(390)	(309)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			1,079	966
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period			$ 689	$ 657

(1)	Certain 2012 figures have been restated. See note 2 of the Company's First Quarter Report to Shareholders.

2012 Annual Report and 2013 First Quarter Report to Shareholders

The Company's 2012 Annual Report and 2013 First Quarter Report to Shareholders are available in the Investor Centre section of the Company's website at loblaw.ca or at sedar.com.

Additional information has been filed electronically with various securities regulators in Canada through the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) and with the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) as the primary regulator for the Company's subsidiary, President's Choice Bank.

Conference Call and Webcast

Loblaw Companies Limited will host a conference call as well as an audio webcast on May 1, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. (EST).

To access via tele-conference please dial (647) 427-7450. The playback will be made available two hours after the event at (416) 849-0833,
access code: 19428436. To access via audio webcast please visit loblaw.ca, go to Investor Centre and click on webcast. Pre-registration will be available.

Full details are available on the Loblaw Companies Limited website at loblaw.ca.

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

The 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Loblaw Companies Limited will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. (EST) at the Mattamy Athletic Centre, 50 Carlton Street, Toronto, Canada M5B 1J2.

To access via tele-conference, please dial (647) 427-7450. The playback will be available two hours after the event at (416) 849-0833, access code: 22256122. To access via audio webcast please visit the Investor Centre section of loblaw.ca. Pre-registration will be available.

Investor Relations

Investor Enquiries, contact:
Jonathan Ross
Director, Investor Relations
(905) 459-2500, ext. 617649
investor@loblaw.ca

Media Enquiries, contact:
Julija Hunter
Vice President, Public Relations
(905) 861-2437
pr@loblaw.ca

Update April 29: Statement concerning Bangladesh Building Collapse

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:00:00 -0400

We are committed to keeping you aware of any new developments and of our activities related to the tragedy of Savar, Bangladesh. We want to share with you that we will be providing compensation for the families of the victims who worked for our supplier. We are working to ensure that we will deliver support in the best and most meaningful way possible, and with the goal of ensuring that victims and their families receive benefits now and in the future. We are working on the details and we will update you as soon as we can.

Our priorities are helping the victims and their families, and driving change to help prevent similar incidents in the future. Our heartfelt condolences continue to go out to those in Savar, Bangladesh.

April 26, 2013 Update: Statement concerning Bangladesh Building Collapse

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:00:00 -0400

In Savar, we are aligning with other apparel retailers to support local efforts and provide aid and resources. We are sending senior representatives from Loblaw Companies’ sustainable supply chain team will be en-route soon to meet with local officials in Bangladesh to get a precise response on what caused this tragedy. We are committed to supporting local authorities in the rescue and care of affected families. When we have more details, we will share with you.

We are committed to finding an approach that ensures safe working conditions, drives lasting change in the industry and help prevents other tragedies. To that end, on Monday, April 29, Loblaws Inc., is joining other retailers and the Retail Council of Canada in an urgent meeting of its Responsible Trade Committee to discuss how to address this unfortunate situation and be a part of the solution. Loblaw has engaged with the Federal Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their assistance in our efforts. We’ve engaged with a number of organizations including Canada’s Maquila Solidarity Network and their executive director Kevin Thomas to gain input into potential solutions, as well as international audit companies.

Loblaws Inc. vendor standards are designed to ensure that products are manufactured in a socially responsible way, for a safe and sustainable work environment. Our audits align with those of industry around the world, but we recognize that these measures do not address the issue of building construction or integrity. Loblaw is committed to finding solutions to this situation by expanding the scope of our requirements to ensure the physical safety of workers producing our products.

We don’t have all the answers today, but we are taking steps to drive change, and to finding solutions to ensure safe working conditions at the production facilities with which we do business.

Update: Statement concerning Bangladesh Building Collapse

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:00:00 -0400

We continue to express our condolences to those affected by the tragedy in Bangladesh and we are deeply saddened by this incident. We are working with our vendor in Bangladesh to understand what caused this tragedy and to determine precisely how best to help the employees and their families. We are committed to supporting local authorities in the rescue and care of affected families. When we have more details, we will share with you.

Loblaws Inc. has robust vendor standards designed to ensure that products are manufactured in a socially responsible way, ensuring a safe and sustainable work environment. We engage international auditing firms to inspect against these standards. We will not work with vendors who do not meet our standards.

Our audits align with those of industry around the world; however in light of the recent tragedies in Bangladesh we recognize that these measures do not address the issue of building construction or integrity. Loblaw is committed to finding solutions to this situation by expanding the scope of our requirements to ensure the physical safety of workers producing our products. We want to improve and we want to find a solution that helps stop these incidents from happening. We are in the process of reaching out to industry groups like the Retail Council of Canada, other retailers in Canada and abroad, as well as government in an effort to establish a collective to undertake a review and address Bangladesh’s approach to factory standards. We are aware of a number of similar efforts around the globe and we plan on playing an active role. We don’t have all the answers today. But we are committed to taking the necessary steps to drive change, and find better solutions to ensure safe working conditions for production facilities with which we do business.

Statement concerning Bangladesh Building Collapse

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0400

We are extremely saddened to learn of the collapse of a building complex in Bangladesh and our condolences go out to those affected by this tragedy. The large complex, housing a commercial bank and shopping mall, also included a factory that produced a small number of Joe Fresh apparel items for Loblaws Inc. We will be working with our vendor to understand how we may be able to assist them during this time.

Loblaws Inc. has vendor standards, which spell out the standard requirements of working with us to ensure that products are being manufactured in a socially responsible way, and specifically prohibiting child harassment and abuse or forced labour; and ensuring fair pay and benefits and compliance with applicable health and safety regulations. We audit against these standards on a regular basis.

We hope to hear more from the authorities about the status of this situation and we are committed to supporting them.

Loblaw Named One of Canada's Greenest Employers for Fourth Consecutive Year

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:59:00 -0400

BRAMPTON, ON, April 22, 2013 /CNW/ - (TSX:L) - Once again, Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) has been named one of Canada's Greenest Employers by Mediacorp Canada. The award commends Loblaw for creating a corporate culture committed to the development of industry-leading, environmentally conscious and sustainability focused initiatives. Respect the Environment is one of five corporate social responsibility (CSR) principles that drive the way the Company does business.

"Loblaw and its colleagues, employees and franchise owners are committed to being one of Canada's Greenest Employers," said Bob Chant , senior vice-president, corporate affairs and communication, Loblaw Companies Limited. "As Canada's largest grocery retailer, we take our responsibility seriously to continue to reduce the environmental impact of our operations through waste reduction and recycling, the sustainable sourcing of products and by reducing energy consumption."

Some of Loblaw's environmental accomplishments that the award committee considered were:

Reducing the use of plastic shopping bags: With the support of its customers, Loblaw reduced the number of plastic shopping bags in its stores nationally by more five billion since 2007. This is a testament to the success of the charge-for-plastic shopping bag program, which was implemented in 2009, with partial proceeds going to WWF-Canada to support conservation initiatives to mobilize Canadians to take positive action on the environment.
Increased waste diversion: Loblaw is committed to reducing waste throughout its supply chain. In 2012, the Company expanded organic waste diversion and multi-stream recycling programs in corporate stores, distribution centres and store support centres. Loblaw distribution centres diverted 81 per cent of waste from landfill while its store support centres diverted 76 per cent. In 2008, Loblaw introduced Canada's first and only national recycling program for gardeners where they can drop off their used plastic pots and flats which are not accepted by curbside recycling programs. The plastic products are then recycled to create new pots and flats for the next season. Through this unique program, Loblaw diverted 5.2 million pounds of plastic flower pots and flats from landfill.
Helping protect our oceans: In 2009, Loblaw committed to source all seafood sold in its stores from sustainable sources by the end of 2013. This affects all fresh, frozen and canned seafood along with products that contain seafood as an ingredient. To that end, in 2012, the Company focused its efforts on increasing the number of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified products in its stores and today sells the widest range of MSC certified products in Canada. It hosted a national MSC certified sustainable seafood in-store promotional event, the first of its kind in Canada. Loblaw also became the first and is the only retail member in the world to join the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation (IFFO), the trade association for the marine ingredients industry.

Fuel Efficiency - Over the past several years, Loblaw has undertaken a number of initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of its transport fleet. In 2012, the Company installed a fleet tracking system in all corporate trucks; reduced driver idle and reduced the number of empty trailers on the road by increasing the number of long-combination vehicles in its fleet and backhaul trips. The Company also added 57 new, more efficient trucks to its fleet - 195 new trucks in total.
Reduced energy consumption: Loblaw is committed to taking action on climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions primarily resulting from energy consumption and refrigerant leaks. In 2012, the Company completed lighting retrofits in 129 corporate stores and six distribution centres nationally to high-efficiency technology. Loblaw currently has four solar panel projects in commercial operation with 12 projects under construction.
Fostering green advocates: Loblaw supports several environmental initiatives for colleagues and their communities. Loblaw's Supply Chain Community Stewardship Program supports local environmental initiatives and programs by providing financial grants to local community projects, activities or charitable organizations with an environmental focus.
Widest range of green options: Loblaw's range of PC^® G.R.E.E.N^® products have the high performance and unbeatable value customers expect from the PC^® brand, along with green benefits that make them feel great about using them in their home. Loblaw's PC^® G.R.E.E.N^®product line spans a variety of categories including household cleaners, home, and baby to help customers reduce their environmental footprint.

Please visit www.loblaw-reports.ca to find out more information about Loblaw's CSR programs and achievements. The 2012 Loblaw CSR Report will be available as of May 2, 2013.

Launched in 2007, the Canada's Greenest Employers competition is organized by the editors of the Canada's Top 100 Employers project. This special designation recognizes the employers that lead the nation in creating a corporate culture of environmental awareness, have developed exceptional earth-friendly initiatives and attracting people to their organizations because of their environmental leadership.

Employers are evaluated based on the following criteria: (1) the unique environmental initiatives and programs they have developed; (2) the extent to which they have been successful in reducing the organization's own environmental footprint; (3) the degree to which their employees are involved in these programs and whether they contribute any unique skills; and (4) the extent to which these initiatives have become linked to the employer's public identity and whether they attract new people to the organization.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh ^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

Public Relations Department, Loblaw Companies Limited
(905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca

Donations are critical to help Nova Scotia food banks fight hunger

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0400

Halifax, NS – April 19, 2013 (TSX: L) – While Spring means time of renewal for many, it also means dwindling resources at food banks across the province. According to FEED NOVA SCOTIA, each month more than 23,500 Nova Scotia residents – one-third of them children – turn to a local food bank for assistance. That is why grocery shoppers in Nova Scotia are encouraged to help by donating food and/or funds to the Extra Helping™ Food Drive from April 19^th to May 9^th, hosted at their local Atlantic Superstore^®, nofrills^® and SaveEasy^® locations.

“Hunger is a constant reality for far too many families in Nova Scotia,” says Dianne Swinemar, executive director, FEED NOVA SCOTIA. “The Extra Helping™ Food Drive is essential in helping local food banks replenish their stock and address the issue of hunger in our communities.”

During the food drive in Halifax Regional Municipality, all Atlantic Superstore^®and nofrills^® locations, as well as Wholesale Club^® in Halifax, will collect food and funds for FEED NOVA SCOTIA for distribution to local food banks, shelters and meal programs in the city and across the province. In other communities across Nova Scotia with Atlantic Superstore^®, nofrills^® and SaveEasy^® locations, food that is donated locally at each store will go directly to one or more designated food banks in that community.

According to FEED NOVA SCOTIA, canned fruit is especially needed at present, along with any of the following: soups and stews, canned vegetables, meat and fish; breakfast cereal; pasta and rice; peanut butter; baked beans; flour and sugar; and canned or powdered milk.

Food banks’ most needed items are marked in select Loblaw banner stores with shelf tags featuring the Extra Helping™ logo, making it easy for customers to help locate them when shopping.

To make giving an even more rewarding experience, Atlantic Superstore® locations throughout Nova Scotia will be offering customers who donate five dollars or more a coupon book filled with great savings on some of your favourite President’s Choice^® and no name^®grocery store items.

Loblaw Companies Limited and its banner stores hope to raise $1.8 million and 1.8 million pounds of food in 2013.

“As Canada’s largest grocery retailer, we’re committed to helping fight hunger in communities across the country,” says Peggy Hornell, senior director, Community Investment, Loblaw Companies Limited. “We encourage all of our customers to make any amount of cash donation or non-perishable food items they can, so together we can make a real difference in the lives of those in need.”

Loblaw grocery stores have a long history of supporting food banks in their local communities. In 2009, the Company rebranded its efforts under the Extra Helping™ Food Drive, a bi-annual, national campaign to reduce hunger. Since then Loblaw stores have raised more than $5.6 million and more than 6.3 million pounds of food. In addition, through annual corporate donations, Loblaw has contributed $1.125 million to date to Food Banks Canada in support of their National Food Sharing Program.

About FEED NOVA SCOTIA

FEED NOVA SCOTIA is a provincial charitable organization that helps feed hungry people by collecting and distributing food to more than 150 food banks, shelters and meal programs throughout Nova Scotia. The charity also works to alleviate chronic hunger and poverty through research, awareness initiatives and client programming.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

-30-

For more information please contact:

Loblaw Public Relations Department

(905) 459-2500

pr@loblaw.ca

Donations are critical to help New Brunswick food banks fight hunger

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0400

St. John’s, NL – April 19, 2013 (TSX: L) – While Spring means time of renewal for many, it also means dwindling resources at food banks across the province. According to the Community Food Sharing Association, each month more than 27,000 Newfoundlanders – almost 40 percent of them children – turn to a local food bank for assistance. That is why grocery shoppers in Newfoundland and Labrador are encouraged to help by donating food and/or funds to the Extra Helping™ Food Drive from April 19^th to May 9^th, hosted at their local Dominion^®, nofrills^® and SaveEasy^® locations.

“Hunger is a constant reality for far too many families in Newfoundland and Labrador,” says Egbert Walters, manager, Community Food Sharing Association. “The Extra Helping™ Food Drive is essential in helping local food banks replenish their stock and address the issue of hunger in our communities. And, one hundred percent of the food raised in the community, stays with the local community food banks.”

During the food drive, all Dominion^{® ®} locations in St. John’s and Mount Pearl as well as nofrills^® in Paradise will collect food and funds directly for The Community Food Sharing Association for distribution to local food banks in the city and across the province. In other communities across Newfoundland and Labrador with Dominion^®, nofrills^® and SaveEasy^® locations, food that is donated locally at each store will go directly to one or more designated food banks in that community.

According to the Community Food Sharing Association, most needed non-perishable food items include: canned soup and stew; peanut butter; canned beans; macaroni and cheese; dried pasta, noodles and rice; pasta sauce; canned meat and fish; beans and legumes; canned vegetables and fruit; canned/powdered milk; breakfast cereal; and baking supplies.

Food banks’ most needed items are marked in select Loblaw banner stores with shelf tags featuring the Extra Helping™ logo, making it easy for customers to help locate them when shopping.

To make giving an even more rewarding experience, Dominion^® locations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador will be offering customers who donate five dollars or more a coupon book filled with great savings on some of your favourite President’s Choice^® and no name^®grocery store items.

Loblaw Companies Limited and its banner stores hope to raise $1.8 million and 1.8 million pounds of food in 2013.

About the Community Food Sharing Association

The Community Food Sharing Association is the central collection and distribution point for over 56 member agencies throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

-30-

For more information please contact:

Loblaw Public Relations Department

(905) 459-2500

pr@loblaw.ca

Donations are critical to help Prince Edward Island food banks fight hunger

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0400

Charlottetown, PE – April 19, 2013 (TSX: L) – While Spring means time of renewal for many, it also means dwindling resources at food banks across the province. According to the PEI Association of Food Banks, each month approximately 3400 Prince Edward Islanders – more than one-third of them children – turn to a local food bank for assistance. That is why grocery shoppers in PEI are encouraged to help by donating food and/or funds to the Extra Helping™ Food Drive from April 19^th to May 9^th, hosted at their local Atlantic Superstore^®, nofrills^® and SaveEasy^® locations.

“Hunger is a constant reality for far too many families in PEI,” says Mike MacDonald, General Manager of the Upper Room Hospitality Ministry in Charlottetown, who also represents the PEI Association of Food Banks. “The Extra Helping™ Food Drive is essential in helping local food banks replenish their stock and address the issue of hunger in our communities. And, one hundred percent of the food raised in the community, stays with the local community food banks.”

During the food drive on PEI, the Charlottetown Atlantic Superstore at 465 University Avenue and Shawn’s nofrills, Stratford, will be supporting the Upper Room Hospitality Ministry. West Royalty Superstore, 680 University Avenue, will support the Charlottetown Salvation Army; Summerside Superstore and Kensington SaveEasy will collect for the Summerside Salvation Army; Montague Superstore will support Southern Kings and Queens Food Bank; Alberton SaveEasy will collect food and funds for West Prince Caring Cupboard; and Macphee’s Market SaveEasy, Souris, will support the Souris Food Bank.

According to the PEI Association of Food Banks, most needed non-perishable food items include: soup, peanut butter, cheese spread, pasta, rice, canned meat, canned fruit, canned juice, canned beans and baby products (food, formula, diapers).

Food banks’ most needed items are marked in select Loblaw banner stores with shelf tags featuring the Extra Helping™ logo, making it easy for customers to help locate them when shopping.

To make giving an even more rewarding experience, Atlantic Superstore^® locations in Prince Edward Island will be offering customers who donate five dollars or more a coupon book filled with great savings on some of your favourite President’s Choice^® and no name^®grocery store items.

Loblaw Companies Limited and its banner stores hope to raise $1.8 million and 1.8 million pounds of food in 2013.

About the P.E.I. Association of Food Banks

The P.E.I. Association of Food Banks represents Prince Edward Island food banks on provincial issues, such as receiving provincial donations, working with Food Banks Canada, and working with the different levels of government.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

-30-

For more information please contact:

Loblaw Public Relations Department

(905) 459-2500

pr@loblaw.ca

Donations are critical to help New Brunswick food banks fight hunger

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:00:00 -0400

Moncton, NB – April 19, 2013 (TSX: L) – While Spring means time of renewal for many, it also means dwindling resources at food banks across the province. According to the New Brunswick Association of Food Banks, each month more than 19,500 New Brunswickers – approximately one-third of them children – turn to a local food bank for assistance. That is why grocery shoppers in New Brunswick are encouraged to help by donating food and/or funds to the Extra Helping™ Food Drive from April 19^th to May 9^th, hosted at their local Atlantic Superstore^®, nofrills^® and SaveEasy^® locations.

“Hunger is a constant reality for far too many families in New Brunswick,” says Glenn Rioux, Past President, New Brunswick Association of Food Banks. “The Extra Helping™ Food Drive is essential in helping local food banks replenish their stock and address the issue of hunger in our communities. And, one hundred percent of the food raised in the community, stays with the local community food banks.”

In the Moncton area, the Trinity Superstore will support the Open Hands Food Bank; Moncton Superstore on Main Street will support Christian Food Banks; the Riverview Superstore will collect for the Albert County Food Bank; and Wholesale Club in Moncton will provide support for the YMCA Community Caring Food Bank. Neighbouring communities of Shediac, Sackville and Salisbury will collect food and funds for their local food bank organizations through their community SaveEasy^® and nofrills^® locations.

According to the New Brunswick Food Bank Association, most needed non-perishable food items include: baby food and accessories; cereal and oatmeal; canned fish and meat (ham, chicken and turkey); beans and molasses; chunky and cream soups; dried pasta and tomato sauce; canned fruit and vegetables; peanut butter and jams; canned and powdered milk; fruit and vegetable juices; sugar and spices; detergent and soaps; and personal hygiene products.

Food banks’ most needed items are marked in select Loblaw banner stores with shelf tags featuring the Extra Helping™ logo, making it easy for customers to help locate them when shopping.

To make giving an even more rewarding experience, Atlantic Superstore^® locations throughout New Brunswick will be offering customers who donate five dollars or more a coupon book filled with great savings on some of your favourite President’s Choice^® and no name^®grocery store items.

Loblaw Companies Limited and its banner stores hope to raise $1.8 million and 1.8 million pounds of food in 2013.

About the New Brunswick Association of Food Banks

The New Brunswick Association of Food Banks Inc. is a nonprofit, charitable organization whose membership is comprised of food banks and soup kitchens throughout the province of New Brunswick. The organization’s main activities include managing the New Brunswick sharing program; operating a provincial food distribution system; preparing a directory for members; representing New Brunswick food banks as a member of Food Banks Canada; and improving public awareness of hunger in the province.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

-30-

For more information please contact:

Loblaw Public Relations Department

(905) 459-2500

pr@loblaw.ca

Donations are critical to help British Columbia food banks fight hunger

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:59:00 -0400

VANCOUVER, April 17, 2013 /CNW/ - (TSX: L) - While Spring means time of renewal for many, it also means dwindling resources at food banks. British Columbia food banks assist an average of 96,100 individuals each month, 29.5 per cent of whom are children. Grocery shoppers are encouraged to help by donating food and/or funds to the Extra Helping™ Food Drive from April 19^th to May 9^th hosted at their local Real Canadian Superstore^®, Your Independent Grocer^®, nofrills^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ locations.

"Hunger is a reality for far too many families and individuals in British Columbia" says Laura Lansink Executive Director, Food Banks BC. "The Extra Helping™ Food Drive is essential in helping local food banks replenish their stock and address the issue of hunger in our communities. And, one hundred per cent of the food raised in the community, stays with the local community food banks."

According to Food Banks Canada, most needed non-perishable food items include: pasta products, rice, canned meat and fish, dry and canned soups and stews, canned fruit and vegetables, flour, hot/cold cereals, whole grain cereals, peanut butter, aseptic packaged or canned/powdered milk, fruit juices, pasta sauce, beans and legumes, infant formula and baby food.

Food banks' most needed items are marked in select Loblaw banner stores with shelf tags featuring the Extra Helping™ logo, making it easy for customers to help locate them when shopping.

Loblaw Companies Limited and its banner stores hope to raise $1.8 million and 1.8 million pounds of food in 2013.

"As Canada's largest grocery retailer, we're committed to helping fight hunger in communities across the country," says Peggy Hornell, senior director, Community Investment, Loblaw Companies Limited. "We encourage all of our customers to make any amount of cash donation or non-perishable food items they can, so together we can make a real difference in the lives of those in need."

About Food Banks BC

Food Banks BC is the provincial association of 92 member food banks across the province! Our vision is a hunger-free future, and we work hard to support and inspire each one of our member food banks so that they can in turn, achieve hunger-free communities all over BC. Every year through the National Food Sharing System (NFSS), we distribute more than one million pounds of food to community food banks. Plus, through our BC Sharing coupons program, food banks in our province are able to work directly with their local grocery stores to receive food donations, every time a shopper scans a BC Share coupon. Last year, our food banks helped close to 100,000 people throughout the province…. 30 per cent were children!

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca

Laura Lansink
Executive Director
Food Banks BC
604.498.1798
Laura@foodbanksbc.com

Donations are critical to help Alberta food banks fight hunger

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:59:00 -0400

CALGARY, April 17, 2013 /CNW/ - (TSX: L) - While Spring means time of renewal for many, it also means dwindling resources at food banks. According to Food Banks Canada, every month more than 50,000 Alberta residents - 44 per cent of them children - turn to a food bank for assistance. Grocery shoppers are encouraged to help by donating food and/or funds to the Extra Helping™ Food Drive from April 19^th to May 9^th hosted at their local Real Canadian Superstore^®, nofrills^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ locations.

"Hunger is a constant reality for far too many families in Alberta," says Jessi Evanoff, coordinator at the Alberta Food Bank Network Association. "The Extra Helping™ Food Drive is essential in helping local food banks replenish their stock and address the issue of hunger in our communities. And, one hundred percent of the food raised in the community, stays with the local community food banks."

Food banks' most needed items are marked in select Loblaw banner stores with shelf tags featuring the Extra Helping™ logo, making it easy for customers to help locate them when shopping.

Loblaw Companies Limited and its banner stores hope to raise $1.8 million and 1.8 million pounds of food in 2013.

About the Alberta Food Bank Network Association

Alberta Food Banks, also known as the Alberta Food Bank Network Association [AFBNA], evaluates and researches programs to benefit Alberta food banks. These programs are initiated and supported to help our members in food and fundraising, and awareness efforts across Alberta.

Alberta Food Banks provides a wealth of resource material and acts as a communications pipeline for its members so that food banks can function efficiently and share ideas. We promote Alberta food banks on a provincial level.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca

Jessi Evanoff
Coordinator
Alberta Food Bank Network Association
(780) 459-6893, contact@afbna.ca

Donations are critical to help Manitoba food banks fight hunger

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 07:59:00 -0400

WINNIPEG, April 17, 2013 /CNW/ - (TSX: L) - While Spring means time of renewal for many; it also means dwindling resources at food banks. According to Food Banks Canada, every month 63,482 Manitoba residents - 48 per cent of them children - turn to a food bank for assistance. Grocery shoppers are encouraged to help by donating food and/or funds to the Extra Helping™ Food Drive from April 19^th to May 9^th hosted at their local Real Canadian Superstore^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ locations.

"Hunger is a constant reality for far too many families in Manitoba. Our goal is to reduce the need for food bank use by 50 per cent by the year 2020. This campaign is a great way to help us reach our goal," says Kate Brenner, director of development at Winnipeg Harvest." "The Extra Helping™ Food Drive is essential in helping local food banks replenish their stock and address the issue of hunger in our communities. And, one hundred percent of the food raised in the community, stays with the local community food banks."

Food banks' most needed items are marked in select Loblaw banner stores with shelf tags featuring the Extra Helping™ logo, making it easy for customers to help locate them when shopping.

Loblaw Companies Limited and its banner stores hope to raise $1.8 million and 1.8 million pounds of food in 2013.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca

Chris Albi
Communications Coordinator
Winnipeg Harvest
Phone: (204) 229-9660
Email: media@winnipegharvest.org

Donations are critical to help Saskatchewan food banks fight hunger

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 07:59:00 -0400

REGINA, SK, April 17, 2013 /CNW/ - (TSX: L) - While Spring means time of renewal for many, it also means dwindling resources at food banks. According to Food Banks Canada, every month more than 24,000 Saskatchewan residents - 47 per cent of them children - turn to a food bank for assistance. Grocery shoppers are encouraged to help by donating food and/or funds to the Extra Helping™ Food Drive from April 19^th to May 9^th. hosted at their local Real Canadian Superstore^®, Your Independent Grocer^®, nofrills^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ locations.

"Hunger is a constant reality for far too many families in Saskatchewan," says Bill Hall, executive director at Food Banks of Saskatchewan. "The Extra Helping™ Food Drive is essential in helping local food banks replenish their stock and address the issue of hunger in our communities. And, one hundred percent of the food raised in the community, stays with the local community food banks."

Food banks' most needed items are marked in select Loblaw banner stores with shelf tags featuring the Extra Helping™ logo, making it easy for customers to help locate them when shopping.

Loblaw Companies Limited and its banner stores hope to raise $1.8 million and 1.8 million pounds of food in 2013.

About Food Banks of Saskatchewan

Food Banks of Saskatchewan is the Saskatchewan provincial member of Food Banks Canada. It currently has 20 members throughout the province which serve the hungry in both urban and rural settings. Food Banks of Saskatchewan exists to provide both logistical and food support to its members, as well as advocating for all hungry people in Saskatchewan.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca

Bill Hall
Executive Director
Food Banks of Saskatchewan
Telephone: 306-937-5505
Email: emptystocking@sasktel.net

Donations are critical to help Ontario food banks fight hunger

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 06:59:00 -0400

BRAMPTON, ON, April 17, 2013 /CNW/ - (TSX: L) - While Spring means a time of renewal for many, it also means dwindling resources at food banks. According to Food Banks Canada, every month more than 400,000 Ontario residents - 40 per cent of them children - turn to a food bank for assistance. Grocery shoppers are encouraged to help by donating food and/or funds to the Extra Helping™ Food Drive from April 19^th to May 9^th hosted at their local Loblaws^®, Fortinos^®, Zehrs Markets^®, Your Independent Grocer^®, valu-mart^®, nofrills^® and Real Canadian Superstore^®locations.

"Hunger is a constant reality for far too many families in Ontario," says Bill Laidlaw , executive director at the Ontario Association of Food Banks. "The Extra Helping™ Food Drive is essential in helping local food banks replenish their stock and address the issue of hunger in our communities. And, one hundred percent of the food raised in the community, stays with the local community food banks."

Food banks' most needed items are marked in select Loblaw banner stores with shelf tags featuring the Extra Helping™ logo, making it easy for customers to help locate them when shopping.

Loblaw Companies Limited and its banner stores hope to raise $1.8 million and 1.8 million pounds of food in 2013.

"As Canada's largest grocery retailer, we're committed to helping fight hunger in communities across the country," says Peggy Hornell , senior director, Community Investment, Loblaw Companies Limited. "We encourage all of our customers to make any amount of cash donation or non-perishable food items they can, so together we can make a real difference in the lives of those in need."

About Ontario Association of Food Banks

The Ontario Association of Food Banks is a network of 120 food banks and over 1,100 hunger-relief programs across the province. This includes breakfast clubs, school meals programs, community kitchens, emergency shelters, seniors' centres, and youth groups. Together we serve over 412,000 individuals (including 160,000 children) living with chronic hunger every single month.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh ^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca

Bill Laidlaw
Executive Director
Ontario Association of Food Banks
416-656-4100, bill@oafb.ca

Amanda King
Associate Manager, Communications
Ontario Association of Food Banks
416-656-4100 x2932, amanda@oafb.ca

Important information Alysena-28 Expanded Recall

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:12:00 -0400

Important information Alysena-28 Expanded Recall:

Health Canada recalled a birth control product called Alysena-28. The affected lot # is LF01899A, which was distributed to pharmacies between December 1, 2012 and April 3, 2013. There is a potential that it may contain two weeks of placebo (sugar pills), instead of one week which impacts the effectiveness of the product and raises the possibility of unplanned pregnancy.

On April 12 as a precautionary measure, Health Canada expanded its recall of the birth control pill Alysena-28 distributed to pharmacies between November 19, 2012 and April 3, 2013, across the country to include the following lot#:

LF01901A LF01980A LF02037A

LF01900A LF01982A LF02036A

LF01898A LF01981A LF02026A

LF01894B LF01979A

Out of an abundance of caution, and in the interest of patients, Loblaw Companies is alerting its customers nationwide.

Please note: Alysena-21, which is manufactured at the same facility, is not part of the current recall as these packages don't normally include a row of the white (placebo) pills. However, because the product is made in the same facility, Health Canada is encouraging Canadians check to make sure their packages of Alysena-21 contain three rows of pink pills.

If you think this may affect you please speak to a Pharmacist. To find a Loblaw Pharmacy near you go to www.drugstorepharmacy.ca, email customerservice@drugstorepharmacy.ca or call customer service at 1-877-628-5487.

To return this product for a full refund or replacement (without a receipt) please call or visit any of our pharmacy location, which can be found at www.drugstorepharmacy.ca.

Loblaw pharmacies are located at Loblaws®, Loblaw greatfoodTM, Zehrs®, Zehrs greatfoodTM, Fortinos®, Real Canadian SuperstoreTM, nofrills®, valu-mart®, Atlantic Superstore®, Save-Easy®, Provigo®, Maxi® & Cie, Extra Foods®, Wholesale ClubTM, Your Independent Grocer®, SuperValu® and Dominion locations in Newfoundland only.

Loblaw Companies Limited Announces Normal Course Issuer Bid

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:59:00 -0400

BRAMPTON, ON, April 11, 2013 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) announced today that the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) has accepted a notice filed by Loblaw of its intention to make a normal course issuer bid (NCIB).

The TSX notice provides that Loblaw may, during the 12-month period commencing April 13, 2013 and terminating April 12, 2014, purchase up to 14,103,672 of Loblaw's common shares (Common Shares), representing 5% of the 282,073,450 Common Shares outstanding as of March 31, 2013, by way of a NCIB on the TSX or through alternative trading systems. Based on the average daily trading volume of 465,874 Common Shares during the last six months, daily purchases will be limited to 116,468 Common Shares, other than block purchase exceptions.

Purchases of Common Shares will be made in open market transactions on the TSX or through alternative trading systems. In addition, Loblaw may enter into forward purchase or swap contracts in connection with Common Shares which may be settled by physical settlement, cash settlement or a combination thereof. The forward price will be based on market price, dividend yield and market interest rates.

Decisions regarding the timing of future purchases of Common Shares will be based on market conditions, share price and other factors. Loblaw may elect to suspend or discontinue its NCIB at any time. Common Shares purchased under the NCIB will be cancelled or purchased and held by the Loblaw Employee Benefit Plan Trusts for the settlement of equity settled incentive plans. Loblaw believes that the market price of Common Shares could be such that their purchase may be an attractive and appropriate use of corporate funds. Loblaw may also use its NCIB to acquire the number of Common Shares that are issued pursuant to the exercise of options in order to offset the dilutive effect of options that have been exercised. Loblaw purchased 1,472,297 Common Shares at a weighted average price of $40.97 pursuant to its previous NCIB.

From time to time, when Loblaw does not possess material non-public information about itself or its securities, it may enter into a pre-defined plan with its broker to allow for the purchase of Common Shares at times when Loblaw ordinarily would not be active in the market due to its own internal trading blackout periods and insider trading rules. Any such plans entered into with Loblaw's broker will be adopted in accordance with the requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws.

About Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ approximately 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice®, no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice® financial services and offers the PC® points loyalty program.

Jonathan Ross
Director, Investor Relations
(905) 459-2500 x617649
investor@loblaw.ca

IMPORTANT INFORMATION : Alysena 28 (birth control pill) Recall

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:25:00 -0400

Important information: A birth control product called Alysena 28 - (Lot # LF01899A) has been recalled by Health Canada and the manufacturer, due to the potential that it may contain two weeks of placebo (sugar pills), instead of one week which impacts the effectiveness of the product and raises the possibility of unplanned pregnancy.

According to Health Canada, this specific lot was distributed to pharmacies between December 1, 2012 and April 3, 2013 in all provinces except Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Under certain circumstances, the potentially impacted product may have been sold in other provinces. Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of patients, Loblaw is alerting its customers in all provinces of this recall. All other lots are not affected by this recall.

If you think this may affect you please speak to a Pharmacist. To find a Loblaw Pharmacy near you go to www.drugstorepharmacy.ca, email customerservice@drugstorepharmacy.ca or call customer service at 1-877-628-5487.

To return this product for a full refund or replacement (without a receipt) please call or visit any of our pharmacy location, which can be found at www.drugstorepharmacy.ca.

Loblaw pharmacies are located at Loblaws®, Loblaw greatfood™, Zehrs®, Zehrs greatfood™, Fortinos®, Real Canadian Superstore™, nofrills®, valu-mart®, Atlantic Superstore®, Save-Easy®, Provigo®, Maxi® & Cie, Extra Foods®, Wholesale Club™, Your Independent Grocer®, SuperValu® and Dominion locations in Newfoundland only.

Loblaw customers use five billion fewer plastic shopping bags

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:09:00 -0400

Reduction underscores company's aim of respecting the environment

BRAMPTON, ON, April 9, 2013 /CNW/ - (TSX: L) - Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) is proud to announce that with the support of their customers they have reduced the number of plastic shopping bags from their stores nationally by more than five billion since 2007. This reduction is a part of one of Loblaw's five principles of corporate social responsibility, Respect the Environment, and emphasizes its commitment to waste diversion.

"We started with a target of one billion just over three years ago. To have hit five billion fewer plastic bags this quickly says we are on the right track," says Bob Chant, senior vice-president, Corporate Affairs and Communication, Loblaw Companies Limited. "As one of Canada's leading retailers, we believe it is important to help look after the health of our environment and lead by example."

Since 2009 through to and including 2013, Loblaw has donated $5 million to WWF-Canada through partial proceeds from the sale of plastic shopping bags in their stores. These funds are invested in a variety of initiatives to help promote environmental sustainability and raise awareness. These funds help support programs that engage Canadians to positively affect the environment.

Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup™- WWF-Canada and Vancouver Aquarium have embarked on the largest shoreline cleanup project in Canada to engage thousands of Canadians annually to clean up their local shorelines through removal of shoreline litter. Loblaw has been a presenting sponsor since 2011.
National Sweater Day™ - Designed to demonstrate how simple changes in behaviour at work and at home can help our planet. In partnership with WWF-Canada, Loblaw corporate and participating franchise stores across Canada turned down their store thermostats by three degrees Celsius on February 7. Loblaw has been the presenting sponsor since 2010. In 2013, Loblaw had more than 700 stores, 31 store support centres and distribution centre offices and a total of 55,000 colleagues and employees that participated in National Sweater Day.
Green CommUnity School Grants - Funded by Loblaw, the WWF-Canada Green CommUnity School Grants Program has awarded grants totalling $600,000 over three years to Canadian schools for environmental projects.

"WWF commends Loblaw for great leadership in helping Canadians make more eco-friendly choices in their shopping bags, home energy use and education," says Hadley Archer, vice-president, Strategic Partnerships, WWF-Canada. "We are excited to continue working with Loblaw to help Canadians live more sustainable lives."

In 2007, Loblaw became one of the first retailers to introduce bagless stores. These stores welcome customers to bring in any type of reusable shopping bag or box to pack their groceries. To date, Loblaw has seven stores across Canada where plastic shopping bags are not available.

Please visit www.loblaw-reports.ca to find out more information about Loblaw Corporate Social Responsibility. The 2012 Loblaw CSR Report will be available as of May 2^nd 2013.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^®services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

Public Relations Department, Loblaw Companies Limited
pr@loblaw.ca or (905) 459-2500

Provigo to invest approximately $100 million in Québec

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:00:00 -0400

MONTREAL, April 9, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Provigo, a member of the Loblaw group (TSX: L), announced today that the Company would undertake major investments in its Québec store network of approximately $100 million this year, creating more than 100 incremental permanent jobs in different regions of the province.

A significant number of Provigo^®, Loblaws^®, Maxi^® and Maxi & Cie^® banner stores located in different regions of Québec will be part of the investment program. In addition to improving the experience of customers across the Company's store network in Québec, this announcement means employment for hundreds of workers retained by construction companies in various regions of the province.

A portion of the investment will be allocated towards creating the new concept version of Provigo and Loblaws stores in various regions of Québec. In addition to the recently announced new Provigo store at Cité du Parc in Sherbrooke, the existing Provigo Prieur store (Ahuntsic) and in Boucherville and the Loblaws stores in Magog, Saint-Bruno and Saint-Sauveur will each be renovated to adopt a similarly-inspired concept. The Loblaws store in Kirkland will also be renovated representing the flagship store of the Company's new conventional store model in Québec.

"Our teams travelled to several continents to identify best practices, allowing us to offer the richest in-store experience possible," said Pierre Dandoy, Senior Vice President, Operations, Provigo and Loblaws Québec. "Quebeckers love to cook and get together with family and friends to eat and they appreciate fresh, high quality, and locally sourced products. These key considerations are at the heart of our new store redesign and assortment of products."

A number of Maxi and Maxi & Cie stores are also included in this investment initiative. Certain store layouts will be reviewed and new equipment will be installed - enabling Maxi and Maxi & Cie stores to realize cost savings and even better meet the strong demand of consumers across Québec looking for food products, household items, clothing and quality health and beauty products at competitive prices.

"The investment announced today will allow us to optimize our stores network and underscore our commitment of Maxi and Maxi & Cie to maintaining best prices under our "Unbeatable. Period." program," said Jocyanne Bourdeau, Executive Vice President, Operations, Maxi and Maxi & Cie.

Maxi and Maxi & Cie stores offer the "Unbeatable. Period." program. The program means customers can simply present a proof of a better price offered by a major competing supermarket and that price will be matched on the spot.*

Provigo is a member of the Loblaw group. Loblaw operates nearly 400 corporate, franchised and affiliated stores in Québec and employs close to 30,000 people, making it the province's third largest employer. Every week, one in two Quebeckers shop at a store under one of Loblaw's eleven banners located in all regions of Québec.

About Provigo, a member of the Loblaw group
Provigo is a member of the Loblaw group, one of the largest private sector employers in Quebec and Canada's largest food retailer. Together with its related and affiliated companies, Loblaw employs nearly 30,000 people in Quebec through its almost 400 corporate, franchised and affiliated stores, operating mostly under the Provigo^®, Maxi^®, Maxi & Cie^®, Loblaws^®, Club Entrepôt Provigo^® and Les Entrepôts Presto^® banners. Loblaw also offers Canada's largest control label program, including the President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

* Unbeatable. Period. (Imbattable. Point final !) means if a major supermarket competitor within this store's geographical trade area offers a lower price on any item (whether the item has the above symbol or not) that we carry in our store simply show us an advertisement or receipt and we will sell you that item at the same price. We will match the competitor's price only during the effective date of the competitor's advertisement or within 7 days of the receipt date. We match identical items defined as same brand, item type (in the case of produce, meat and bakery), size and attributes or comparable items in the case of private label. 'Our major supermarket competitors', 'geographical trade areas', and "comparable items" are determined solely by us and are based on a number of factors which can change from time to time. Excludes 'spend x get x' 'Free' and discounts obtained through loyalty programs. We reserve the right to limit quantities. The "Unbeatable. Period" Program does not apply to pharmacy affiliated to CENTRESanté banner and all over-thecounter (OTC) categories owned and sold by Quebec pharmacists as defined under applicable legislation, "À plein gaz" gas stations, dry cleaners, Canada Post counters or any other business operated by a third party within our stores. In no instance will our Program be applied if it violates effective rules and regulations. See store director for details.

SOURCE: Provigo, member of Loblaw group

For further information:

Hugues Mousseau
Senior Director, Corporate Affairs and Communication
Provigo, a member of the Loblaw Group
514-383-8800, ext. 6142 | pr@loblaw.ca

Thanks Atlantic Canada! Almost half a million dollars raised to help kids reach their full potential

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:35:00 -0400

HALIFAX, NS, April 8, 2013 /CNW/ - President's Choice^®Children's Charity announces that its two-week Your Small Change Can Make a Big One customer campaign held at participating Loblaw banner grocery stores in the region, like Atlantic Superstore^®, nofrills^®, Cash & Carry, Dominion^®and SaveEasy^® has raised $470,000. All money raised will go toward supporting Atlantic Canadian families whose children have physical or developmental disabilities, as well as nutrition programs aimed at fighting childhood hunger. Nationally, the campaign raised $2.64 million.

"The support from our customers across Atlantic Canada has always been tremendous, but this year's spring campaign has been the best one so far," said Colin Nicolle, member of President's Choice^® Children's Charity Board of Directors and vice-president at Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) in Atlantic Canada.

Monies raised through campaigns like this help children like Hayden Astel, who recently needed assistance with a guide dog.

Hayden' mother Corrie says that the guide dog has been life changing for Hayden. "Hayden wouldn't be doing as well as he is without the help from President's Choice^® Children's Charity," says Corrie. "We can do more things as a family. We can go out in the public. Before, someone would stay home with Hayden and we would have to take turns going out. Now, Hayden can participate in the community."

Funds raised also go towards fighting childhood hunger through nutrition programs at local schools like Cunard Junior High School, located in Halifax.

"The support received from President's Choice^® Children's Charity through their sponsorship of Breakfast for Learning is an important contribution to the students at Cunard Junior High School breakfast program. Being able to provide healthy food options to the students has a positive impact on our students' daily performance. When students are well nourished they are better able to engage in their learning. We are very grateful for the difference they are making for our students," says Karyn Cooling, principal, Cunard Junior High School, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

In Atlantic Canada, Atlantic Superstore^®, nofrills^®, Cash & Carry, Dominion^®(in Newfoundland and Labrador) and SaveEasy^®are Loblaw Companies banner stores. The Your Small Change Can Make a Big One customer campaign is just one of many initiatives that Loblaw banner stores have in place to raise funds for President's Choice^® Children's Charity. To date in 2013, thanks to the generosity of customers, donors and the support of colleagues, President's Choice^® Children's Charity has awarded $52,000 to 8 families and another $920,000 to 518 nutrition programs that serve over 53,000 students across the region.

About President's Choice^® Children's Charity
President's Choice^® Children's Charity is committed to helping children across Canada, with a focus on supporting children with disabilities and fighting childhood hunger. The cost of administration and operations of the Charity is funded by Loblaw Companies Limited, ensuring that 100 per cent of every dollar donated goes to helping kids and their families. The Charity offers funding across Canada and dollars are granted in the region in which they are raised. Since 1989, the Charity has awarded more than $86 million, reaching more than 15,500 families. For more information on the President's Choice^®Children's Charity or to donate online, visit pc.ca/charity.

About Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L)
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^®points loyalty program.

or to schedule an interview:
Loblaw Public Relations on behalf of President's Choice^®Children's Charity
Mark Boudreau, Director, Corporate Affairs
mark.boudreau@loblaw.ca or (902) 468-5522 ext. 4063
PR@loblaw.ca

Thanks Ontario! More than one million dollars raised to help kids reach their full potential

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0400

BRAMPTON, ON, April 8, 2013 /CNW/ - President's Choice^® Children's Charity announces that its two-week Your Small Change Can Make a Big One customer campaign held at participating Loblaw banner grocery stores like Loblaws^®, Zehrs^®, Your Independent Grocer^TM, valu-mart^®, Fortinos^®, Real Canadian Superstore^®, Real Canadian Wholesale Club^®and nofrills^®, across Ontario has raised more than $1,104,000. All money raised will go toward supporting Ontario families whose children have physical or developmental disabilities, as well as nutrition programs aimed at fighting childhood hunger. Nationally, the campaign raised $2.64 million.

"The support from our customers across Ontario has always been tremendous, but this year's spring campaign has been the best one so far," said Inge van den Berg, member of President's Choice^® Children's Charity Board of Directors and senior vice-president, Corporate Strategy, Loblaw Companies Limited.

Monies raised through campaigns like this help children like Zachary, who need special equipment to be independent.

"Zach wouldn't be doing as well as he is without the help from President's Choice^® Children's Charity," says Simon, Zachery's dad. "The therapy has Zach up and walking when he wasn't supposed to at all! President's Choice^® Children's Charity has also helped us fund equipment and given Zach the opportunity to be independent and successful in his endeavors. We really can't say enough about what this means to us, and most importantly, what it means to Zach."

Funds raised also go towards fighting childhood hunger through nutrition programs at local schools like Flemington Public School, located in Toronto.

"It is amazing what a difference healthy food makes to ensure student success. Through the President's Choice^® Children's Charity sponsorship of Breakfast for Learning our students receive nutritious food offerings at the beginning of the school day and are refueled with wholesome food during the remainder of their learning day," says Grace LaRocque, vice-principal, Flemington Public School, Toronto, Ontario.

In Ontario, Loblaws^®, Zehrs^®, Your Independent Grocer^®, valu-mart^®, Fortinos^®, Real Canadian Superstore^®, Real Canadian Wholesale Club^®and nofrills^® stores are Loblaw Companies banner stores. The Your Small Change Can Make a Big One customer campaign is just one of many initiatives that Loblaw banner stores have in place to raise funds for President's Choice^® Children's Charity. To date in 2013, thanks to the generosity of customers, donors and the support of colleagues, President's Choice^® Children's Charity has awarded $556,000 to 101 families and another $1.1 million to 923 nutrition programs that serve over 101,315 students across Ontario.

About Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L)
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^®points loyalty program.

Thanks Western Canada! More than a half million dollars raised to help kids reach their full potential

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0400

CALGARY, April 8, 2013 /CNW/ - President's Choice^® Children's Charity announces that its two-week Your Small Change Can Make a Big One customer campaign held at participating Loblaw banner grocery stores like Real Canadian Superstore^®, Real Canadian Wholesale Club^®, Extra Foods^® and nofrills^®, across Western Canada has raised more than $652,000. All money raised will go toward supporting Western Canadian families whose children have physical or developmental disabilities, as well as nutrition programs aimed at fighting childhood hunger. Nationally, the campaign raised $2.64 million.

"The support from Loblaw customers across Western Canada has always been tremendous, but this year's spring campaign has been the best one so far," said Marlin Krieger, member of President's Choice^® Children's Charity Board of Directors and vice-president, nofrills^®, Western Canada, Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw).

Monies raised through campaigns like this help children like Hannah, who need special educational and therapeutic tools to help her learn.

"Hannah was diagnosed with autism when she was two, making all aspects of her life more difficult than others, so donations like this means a lot to us," said Barb, Hannah's mother, "The gift of an iPad and other educational and therapeutic tools from President's Choice^® Children's Charity will enhance her learning for sure."

Funds raised also go towards fighting childhood hunger through nutrition programs at local schools like Bayside Middle School, located in Victoria.

"The support received from President's Choice^® Children's Charity through their sponsorship of Breakfast for Learning helps us feed the hungry students in our school. It is so comforting to know that because of their generous contribution we are able to make a difference in the lives of our students and help them reach their goals. President's Choice^® Children's Charity's support puts smiles on kids' faces every day and for that we are most grateful," says Shirley Elm, principal, Bayside Middle School, Victoria, BC.

In Western Canada, Real Canadian Superstore^®, Real Canadian Wholesale Club^®, Extra Foods^® and nofrills^® are Loblaw Companies banner stores. The Your Small Change Can Make a Big One customer campaign is just one of many initiatives that Loblaw banner stores have in place to raise funds for President's Choice^® Children's Charity. To date in 2013, thanks to the generosity of customers, donors and the support of colleagues, President's Choice^® Children's Charity has awarded $210,000 to 28 families and another $1.2 million to 1,076 nutrition programs that serve over 98,640 students across Western Canada.

About Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L)
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^®points loyalty program.

Loblaw Companies Limited Announces First Quarter 2013 Earnings Release and Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:03:00 -0400

BRAMPTON, ON, April 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L) announced today that it will be releasing its first quarter results May 1, 2013 at 6:30 a.m. (ET). This release will be followed by a conference call at 11:00 a.m. (ET), as well as an audio webcast. To access via tele-conference please dial (647) 427-7450. The playback will be made available two hours after the event at (416) 849-0833, access code: 19428436. To access via audio webcast please go to the "Investor Centre" section of loblaw.ca. Pre-registration will be available.

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will take place on May 2, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. (ET), at the Mattamy Athletic Centre, 50 Carlton Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. To access via tele-conference please dial (647) 427-7450. Playback will be available two hours after the event at (416) 849-0833, access code: 22256122. To access via audio webcast please go to the "Investor Centre" section of loblaw.ca. Pre-registration will be available.

Jonathan Ross
Director, Investor Relations
905-459-2500 x617649
investor@loblaw.ca

This week, Québec gets the spotlight in all Provigo® banner stores!

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:01:00 -0400

This week, Québec gets the spotlight in all Provigo^® banner stores!

Cooking demonstrations, recipe ideas, product sampling and the opportunity to meet local producers are some of the highlights of this event, part of the “Aliments du Québec: toujours le bon choix!” campaign

Montréal, Québec, March 29, 2013 – As part of its partnership with the ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) and Aliments du Québec, Provigo is happy to showcase local products and to invite its customers to a day of activities in all the province’s stores on Saturday, March 30^th as part of a week entirely dedicated to local products, which runs until April 3^rd.

Cooking demonstrations with Chantal Fontaine and Chef Martin Patenaude

For the occasion, the Mont-Royal and Boucherville Provigo banner stores will be welcoming Chantal Fontaine, famous actress and spokesperson for the “Aliments du Québec: toujours le bon choix!” campaign, and Martin Patenaude, Chef for President’s Choice Cooking Schools. Provigo is inviting customers to come and meet them and discover new recipes featuring local products, including seared duck breast with cauliflower purée and chard in a caramel sauce with blueberries and rosemary.

Customers will also have the opportunity to sample seared trout steak, sautéed kale and squash purée prepared on site by Chef Martin Patenaude, and chat with our two special guests during the cooking demonstrations.

Meeting with a local grower or food manufacturer

Activities will also be held in all Provigo stores in Québec. The public is invited to come and meet a local grower or food manufacturer, to taste their products and to celebrate the pleasure of eating products that are grown close to home.

“With this initiative, Provigo is meeting the needs of consumers who want to be able to identify more easily the huge variety of local products. People also want to learn new ways to cook local products,” said Chantal Fontaine, spokesperson for the “Aliments du Québec: toujours le bon choix!” campaign.

Provigo banner stores offer nearly 2,200 products certified as being Aliments du Québec and Aliments préparés au Québec, ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to spices, chocolate, beers, fine oils and jams. This special event is meant to highlight the wide assortment of Québec products available in Provigo stores from local growers and food manufacturers.

“Local products offer many benefits, namely: quality, proximity, variety, environmental impacts, exceptional flavour and the pride of creating jobs for local people! That’s why Aliments du Québec and Aliments préparés au Québec are certifications that deserve to be widely known. They are a guarantee of quality and authenticity. Provigo is proud to have joined forces with the MAPAQ and Aliments du Québec in the development of a week-long celebration that puts Québec under the spotlight,” said Roch Pilon, Vice President, Provigo Banner.

To learn more about Aliments du Québec, visit www.alimentsduquebec.com or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alimentsduquebec

About Provigo, a member of the Loblaw Group

Provigo is a member of the Loblaw Group, one of the largest private sector employers in Québec and Canada’s largest food retailer. The Loblaw Group employs more than 30,000 people in Québec through its 400 corporate, franchised and affiliated stores, operating mostly under the Provigo^®, Maxi^®, Maxi & Cie^®, Loblaws^®, Club Entrepôt^® Provigo and Les Entrepôts Presto^® banners. Loblaw also offers Canada’s largest control label program, including the President’s Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® labels. In addition, it makes available to consumers President’s Choice^® Financial services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

- 30 -

For more information, visuals, or to request an interview, contact:

Pascaline Varin

Exacto Communications

pvarin@exacto.ca

T: 514-273-3793, ext. 224

C: 514-886-0191

Loblaw Chief Financial Officer Sarah Davis to present at CIBC World Markets Retail and Consumer Conference

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:15:00 -0400

BRAMPTON, ON, March 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L) will be participating in the CIBC World Markets Retail and Consumer Conference on Thursday, March 28, 2013, at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto. Sarah Davis , Chief Financial Officer, will be making a presentation starting at 2:15 p.m. (EDT).

The audiocast can be accessed on the day of the conference on the CIBC website at: https://webcasts.welcome2theshow.com/cibc2013retail. This link will be available for three months following the conference.

The presentation slides and link to the webcast will be also available on loblaw.ca in the Investor Centre.

About Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ over 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice® no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice financial services and offers the PC® points loyalty program.

Jonathan Ross
Director, Investor Relations
905-459-2500 x617649
investor@loblaw.ca

Real Canadian Superstore locations and the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society are pleased to participate in Food Banks Canada's new Retail Food program to help fight hunger

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:23:00 -0500

VANCOUVER, March 7, 2013 /CNW/ - TSX: L: - Building on the Extra Helping™ Food Drive program, Real Canadian Superstore^®locationsand the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society (GVFBS) are pleased to join efforts in a new initiative to help fight hunger by participating in Food Banks Canada's new Retail Food program in the Vancouver area.

The program will help provide fresh food (bakery, meat and produce) to the 27,000 individuals and families that rely on the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society every week, of which 26 per cent are children.

"Unfortunately, we continue to see an increasing need throughout our communities," says Aart Schuurman Hess, chief executive officer, Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. "This program will assist us in providing our clients with a consistent flow of fresh food. We thank the Real Canadian Superstore^®team for working with us on this initiative, and for being such a valuable community partner to us for many years."

With this new program, Real Canadian Superstore^®locations, in addition to their ongoing donation of non-perishable food, will work with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society to set aside a mix of fresh food, depending on product assortment and availability.

"Our grocery stores are proud to be part of the communities we serve and we are pleased to have been able to develop an arrangement that helps to increase the availability of fresh, quality food to those in need," says Alex Morrison, regional vice-president, BC/Yukon Operations, Real Canadian Superstore^®& Extra Foods^®, Loblaw CompaniesLimited.

In 2012, Loblaw banner stores in British Columba raised $160,000 and 140,000 pounds of food donated by customers and colleagues during food drives held at Real Canadian Superstore^®, Your Independent Grocer^®, nofrills^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ stores.

"We are very excited and thrilled to be a part of this progressive approach to help meet the needs of local and provincial food banks. Across the country, Loblaw banner stores will participate in the Food Retail program in Vancouver, Montreal, Halifax, Winnipeg and Calgary," says Peggy Hornell, senior director, Community Investment, Loblaw Companies Limited.

Nationally, Loblaw banner stores have a long history of supporting food banks in their local communities. Since the launch of the Extra Helping™ Food Drive campaign in 2009, Loblaw has raised over $5.6 million in cash donations and 6.3 million pounds of food. Additionally, it has donated $1.125 million corporately.

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19, 2013, at Real Canadian Superstore^®, Your Independent Grocer^®, nofrills^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ stores in communities across British Columbia.

About Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

About the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society (GVFBS)
The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society (GVFBS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing food and related assistance to those in need. The GVFBS collects and distributes food for nearly 27,000 people weekly through 15 food depots and over 100 community agencies located in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and North Vancouver. The GVFBS does not receive government funding and relies on the generosity of individuals and organizations willing to donate funds, food and time. For more information, please visit www.foodbank.bc.ca.

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca

Kay Thody
Communications Director
Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society
kayt@foodbank.bc.ca
(604) 813-3776

Real Canadian Superstore locations and Calgary Food Bank are pleased to participate in Food Banks Canada's new Retail Food program to help fight hunger

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:23:00 -0500

CALGARY, March 7, 2013 /CNW/ - TSX: L: - Building on the Extra Helping™ Food Drive program, Real Canadian Superstore^®locationsand Calgary Food Bank are pleased to join efforts in a new initiative to help fight hunger by participating in Food Banks Canada's new Retail Food program. The program will provide fresh food (bakery, meat and produce) to the Calgary Food Bank.

In 2012, the Calgary Food Bank distributed 17.2 million pounds of food and served 14,471 new clients in Calgary.

"We are still providing 52 per cent more support than we did before the start of the recession (in 2008). This program will better enable us to serve our clients with a consistent flow of fresh food," says James McAra, president and chief executive officer, Calgary Food Bank. "We thank the Real Canadian Superstore^®team for working with us on this initiative and for being such a good partner to us for many years."

With this new program, Real Canadian Superstore^®locations, in addition to their ongoing donation of non-perishable food, will work with Calgary Food Bank to set aside a mix of fresh food, depending on product assortment and availability.

"Our grocery stores are proud to be part of the communities we serve and we are pleased to have been able to develop an arrangement that helps to increase the availability of fresh, quality food to those in need," says Steve Stride, vice-president, Alberta operations, Real Canadian Superstore^® & Extra Foods^®, Loblaw Companies Limited.

In 2012, Loblaw banner stores in Alberta raised $220,000 and 225,000 pounds food donated by customers and colleagues during food drives held at Real Canadian Superstore^®, nofrills^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ stores.

"We are very excited and thrilled to be a part of this progressive approach to help meet the needs of local and provincial food banks. Across the country, Loblaw banner stores will participate in the Food Retail program in Calgary, Montreal, Halifax, Winnipeg and Vancouver," says Peggy Hornell, senior director, Community Investment, Loblaw Companies Limited.

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19, 2013, at Real Canadian Superstore^®, nofrills^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ stores in communities across Alberta.

About Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca

Trudi Webster
Development Coordinator- Food Industry
(403) 319-0827 or twebster@calgaryfoodbank.com

Atlantic Superstore locations and Feed Nova Scotia are pleased to participate in Food Banks Canada's new Retail Food program to help fight hunger

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:21:00 -0500

HALIFAX, March 7, 2013 /CNW/ - TSX: L: - Building on the Extra Helping™ Food Drive program, Atlantic Superstore^®locationsand Feed Nova Scotia are pleased to join efforts in a new initiative to help fight hunger by participating in Food Banks Canada's new Retail Food program. The program will provide fresh food (bakery, meat and produce) to local food banks in Nova Scotia.

Close to 23,500 Nova Scotians rely on the assistance provided by food banks each month - according to Food Banks Canada's annual HungerCount Survey - this is a 39.3 per cent increase since 2008.

"Sadly, the need in our communities continues to grow. This program will better enable us to serve our clients with a consistent flow of fresh food," says Dianne Swinemar, executive director, FEED NOVA SCOTIA. "We thank the Atlantic Superstore^®team for working with us on this initiative and for being such a good partner to us for many years."

With this new program, Atlantic Superstore^®locations, in addition to their ongoing donation of non-perishable food, will work with Feed Nova Scotia to set aside a mix of fresh food, depending on product assortment and availability.

"Our grocery stores are proud to be part of the communities we serve and we are pleased to have been able to develop an arrangement that helps to increase the availability of fresh, quality food to those in need," says Philip McNeill, senior vice-president, Conventional Operations, Atlantic Canada, Loblaw Companies Limited.

In 2012, Loblaw banner stores in Nova Scotia raised $100,000 and 22,000 pounds food donated by customers and colleagues during food drives held at Atlantic Superstore^®, Save Easy^® and nofrills^® stores.

"We are very excited and thrilled to be a part of this progressive approach to help meet the needs of local and provincial food banks. Across the country, Loblaw banner stores will participate in the Food Retail program in Halifax, Montreal, Winnipeg, Calgary and Vancouver," says Peggy Hornell, senior director, Community Investment, Loblaw Companies Limited.

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19, 2013, at Atlantic Superstore^®, Save Easy^® and nofrills^® stores in communities across Nova Scotia.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

About FEED NOVA SCOTIA

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500
pr@loblaw.ca

Dianne Swinemar
Executive Director
FEED NOVA SCOTIA
(902) 457-1900
dswinemar@feednovascotia.ca

Real Canadian Superstore locations and Winnipeg Harvest are pleased to participate in Food Banks Canada's new Retail Food program to help fight hunger

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:21:00 -0500

WINNIPEG, March 7, 2013 /CNW/ - TSX: L: - Building on the Extra Helping™ Food Drive program, Real Canadian Superstore^®locationsand Winnipeg Harvest are pleased to join efforts in a new initiative to help fight hunger by participating in Food Banks Canada's new Retail Food program. The program will provide fresh food (bakery, meat and produce) to local food banks in Winnipeg.

Close to 63,000 Manitobans rely on the assistance provided by food banks each month, half of who are children - according to Food Banks Canada's annual HungerCount Survey.

"Sadly, the need in our communities continues to grow. This program will better enable us to serve our clients with a consistent flow of fresh food," says Kate Brenner, director, Winnipeg Harvest. "We thank the Real Canadian Superstore^®team for working with us on this initiative and for being such a good partner to us for many years."

With this new program, Real Canadian Superstore^®locations, in addition to their ongoing donation of non-perishable food, will work with Winnipeg Harvest to set aside a mix of fresh food, depending on product assortment and availability.

"Our grocery stores are proud to be part of the communities we serve and we are pleased to have been able to develop an arrangement that helps to increase the availability of fresh, quality food to those in need," says Al Jasper, vice-president, Manitoba operations, Real Canadian Superstore^® &Extra Foods^®, Loblaw Companies Limited.

In 2012, Loblaw banner stores in Manitoba raised $65,000 and 27,000 pounds food donated by customers and colleagues during food drives held at Real Canadian Superstore^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ stores.

"We are very excited and thrilled to be a part of this progressive approach to help meet the needs of local and provincial food banks. Across the country, Loblaw banner stores will participate in the Food Retail program in Winnipeg, Montreal, Halifax, Calgary and Vancouver," says Peggy Hornell, senior director, Community Investment, Loblaw Companies Limited.

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19, 2013, at Real Canadian Superstore^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ stores in communities across Manitoba.

About Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca

Chris Albi
Communications Coordinator
Winnipeg Harvest
Cell (204) 229-9660
media@winnipegharvest.org

Food Banks Canada Launches Retail Program to Increase Food Support to Food Banks

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:00:00 -0500

Leading retailers join Food Banks Canada to provide essential food to food banks across the country

TORONTO, March 7, 2013 – Food Banks Canada has launched a new initiative to increase the amount of food distributed to food banks across the country. The new Retail Food Program in partnership with Loblaw Companies Limited, Target Canada and Walmart Canada, aims to increase the support to food banks through the donation of surplus food and household products to local food banks.

Close to 900,000 Canadians rely on the assistance of a food bank each month – according to Food Banks Canada’s annual HungerCount survey – which is a 31% increase since the 2008-09 recession. With this significant increase over the last number of years, food banks are struggling to meet the need and acquire a consistent supply of quality food.

The Retail Food Program will connect local food banks with grocery retail stores across the country. Participating retailers will work with local food banks to set aside a mix of fresh, frozen and non-perishable products, depending on product assortment agreements.

“Our efforts to increase the availability of quality safe food is essential for food banks across the country,” said Katharine Schmidt, Executive Director, Food Banks Canada. “We’re thrilled that we have three leading retail partners launching this program with us.”

The program will match over 400 food banks with 1,500 stores and with expected weekly pick-ups, it is anticipated to bring hundreds of thousands of pounds of fresh, frozen and non-perishable foods. Today food banks collect an estimated 200 million lbs of food – valued at $500 million, annually.

Loblaw, Target and Walmart have made other significant donations to the food bank community through a variety of programs:

· Since 2009, Loblaw donated $5.6 million and 6.3 million lbs of food through its Extra Helping Food Drive campaigns and also has contributed $1.2 million through corporate donations;

· Walmart donated over $1 million through philanthropic and cause marketing campaigns; and

· Target donated over $243,000 to the food bank community from the $1 million Give with Target campaign and prepared close to 1,200 personal care kits during its December Day of Service. In addition, Target has committed $656,000 over three years as part of their donation to Food Banks Canada’s programs.

“A retail food program is an ideal collaboration between grocery retail stores and local food banks” said Chris Hatch of The Mississauga Food Bank. “We’re really grateful to Walmart, Target and Loblaw for their support and for the opportunity to work together to provide additional food to those in need in our community.”

The support of the retail community is essential to the work of the food bank community – from local support through programs like the Retail Food Program to national cause marketing campaigns that help to raise awareness, community support and much needed food and funds.

- 30 -

Important Safety Notice: Loblaw Issues Voluntary Recall of Everyday Essentials 12" Non-Stick Pan

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:19:00 -0500

BRAMPTON, ON, Feb. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) is voluntarily recalling the Everyday Essentials 12" Non-Stick Pan, because the handle could potentially come loose due to a manufacturing defect. The pan has a special black round plastic handle. The recall affects those products sold between November 27, 2012, and February 28, 2013, with the UPC 57197 00673 from these select Loblaw banner stores:


Ontario:	Fortinos, Loblaws, no frills, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Real Canadian Superstore, Valu-mart, Your Independent Grocer, Zehrs
Atlantic:	Cash & Carry, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Dominion, no frills, Save Easy, Real Canadian Superstore
Québec:	Loblaws, Maxi & Cie, Maxi, Presto, Club Entrepot, Provigo,
West:	Extra Foods, no frills, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Real Canadian Superstore, Your Independent Grocer

For a complete list of stores please visit: http://loblawstores.ca/LCLOnline/#sthash.Tq68DuUf.dpuf

The issue has been identified by the manufacturer and corrected. All potentially affected products have been removed from store shelves across the country.

Customers can return the product to any Loblaw banner store where the customer service desk will provide a full refund (including without receipt) or contact customer service at 1-800-296-2332 or customerservice@loblaws.ca.

For more information: PR@loblaw.ca

For more information regarding the voluntary recall, customers can contact: Customer Service 1-800-296-2332 or customerservice@loblaws.ca.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: Loblaw Issues Voluntary Recall of Everyday Essentials 12” Non-Stick Pan

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:00:00 -0500

BRAMPTON, ON, February 28, 2013 - Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) is voluntarily recalling the Everyday Essentials 12” Non-Stick Pan, because the handle could potentially come loose due to a manufacturing defect. The pan has a special black round plastic handle. The recall affects those products sold between November 27, 2012, and February 28, 2013, with the UPC 57197 00673 from these select Loblaw banner stores:

Ontario: Fortinos, Loblaws, no frills, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Real Canadian Superstore, Valu-mart, Your Independent Grocer, Zehrs

Atlantic: Cash & Carry, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Dominion, no frills, Save Easy, Real Canadian Superstore

Québec: Loblaws, Maxi & Cie, Maxi, Presto, Club Entrepot, Provigo,

West: Extra Foods, no frills, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Real Canadian Superstore, Your Independent Grocer

For a complete list of stores please visit: http://loblawstores.ca/LCLOnline/

The issue has been identified by the manufacturer and corrected. All potentially affected products have been removed from store shelves across the country.

For more information regarding the voluntary recall, customers can contact:
Customer Service 1-800-296-2332 or customerservice@loblaws.ca.

-30-

For more information: PR@loblaw.ca

12" Everyday Essential Non-Stick Pan - UPC 57197 00673,

Shop for Healthier Foods at Real Canadian Superstore®

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:59:00 -0500

Eating healthier is made easy with a variety of New! and Must Try! President's Choice® foods

BRAMPTON, ON, Feb. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - TSX: L: The team at Real Canadian Superstore^®is dedicated to helping Canadians lead healthier lifestyles. During the Bring Healthier Home™ campaign which launches in stores on February 22, customers can find lots of new PC® products that will make it easier to make more nutritious choices.

"Research* shows that eighty-five percent of Canadian families use mealtime as an opportunity to teach their children about healthier eating," says Tina Stewart, registered dietitian for Loblaw Companies Limited. "Getting your family to make more nutritious choices can be tricky which is why we created some new and easy ways to incorporate healthier eating into breakfast, lunch and dinner."

Here are five tips that can be easily integrated into family meal routines.

Tip #1: Maximize Your Meals

Thinly sliced to cook up quickly, our Must Try! PC® Blue Menu™ Chicken Breast Strips are a simple way to add lean protein to a variety of meals. Try it topped on salads, sandwiches, curries, fajitas, pastas and pizzas. Turkey Breast strips are also available.

The Must Try! PC^® Blue Menu™ Granola Boost™ with Protein Cereal is made with whole-grain oats and wheat flavoured with semi-sweet chocolate chips and cocoa and provides 6 grams or soy protein per 55 gram serving! Plus, it's high in fibre and a source of 8 vitamins and minerals. The PC® Blue Menu™ Granola Boost™ comes in four tasty varieties each with its own benefit -Chocolate with Protein, Mixed Berry with Polyphenols, Banana Nut with Omega-3 and Apple Cinnamon with Fibre. Try it sprinkled over yogurt, topped with fruit or add a splash of skim milk and enjoy as a cereal. "This yummy granola can even be enjoyed like a trail mix so throw a pack in your gym bag or keep one in your car for smart snacking on the go!" says Tina.

Must Try! PC® Coconut Water from Concentrate is made from young green coconuts. Just one cup delivers 480 mg of potassium (more than a medium sized banana!), is a source of magnesium and has only 45 calories. Try it added to fresh fruit smoothies for an extra helping of vitamins in the morning; here's a Tropical Coconut Smoothie recipe available on pc.ca.

Tip #2: Grains Take Centre Stage

"Whole grains are an important source of nutrition because they contain all parts of a plant's seed which means they tend to have more nutrients than refined grains," says Tina. "Our new PC® Blue Menu™ Whole Grain Brown Rice with Lentils and Quinoa Blend Side Dish is mildly seasoned and packed with brown rice, lentils and quinoa, making it a convenient and healthier alternative to white rice."

Switch up your usual sides! Try adding our new PC® Blue Menu™ Sides Bulgar and Quinoa to your favorite meal for a medley of vegetables, grains and chickpeas ready in in just 7 minutes.

Tip #3: Healthier on the Go

Eating well on the go is always a challenge. Here are a few easy, nutritious solutions. New PC® Seven Grain Melba Toast is a good option for busy mornings or hectic afternoons. Each 100 gram box contains 5 convenient pouches; it's available in Poppyseed or Pumpkin.

Fans of our best-selling PC® 0% M.F. Plain Greek Yogurt will be thrilled to hear it now comes in convenient single-serve cups. Easy to take on the go and to pack in lunches, each 142 g container provides 14 g of protein. It's available in four flavours Plain, Peach & Passion fruit, Strawberry and Blueberry.

Looking for an alternative to baby food in glass jars? Try the New! PC® Organics™ Strained Baby Food in Squeezable Pouch. The squeezable BPA-free pouches mean added convenience and portability - with no sugar added, no artificial flavours or colours. "The pouches are easy to warm and can be squeezed directly onto a spoon or into a bowl so there's less mess," says Tina.

Tip #4: Reel in Flavour

Want something low in fat and sodium or a way to add lean protein? Consider Hoki fish and Tilapia. New! PC® Blue Menu® Wild Hoki Skinless Fillets from New Zealand have a mild-taste similar to cod and a texture that's firm yet flaky. Try it baked, sautéed, pan-fried or breaded - it's that versatile.

Our sumptuous new PC® Blue Menu® Tilapia is the first PC® product to be certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), an independent, not-for-profit organization that manages the worldwide standards for responsibly farmed seafood. A white fish with a very clean taste and slightly sweet flavour, our tilapia will appeal to kids, too. If you want to keep things interesting by introducing different lean proteins into your diet, this is a fantastic way to do it.

Tip #5: Savvy Snacking

We all sneak in the occasional snack - there's no shame in that! The delicious New! PC® Blue Menu® Sea Salt Cannellini Bean Crisps have 8 g of fibre and 1.5 g of omega-3 per serving, not to mention a satisfying crunch! Also try out the Smoky Sweet Chili Flavour Adzuki Bean Crisps.

Those who prefer to eat organic can prepare for the inevitable cravings with our savoury new PC® Organics Cheddar Cheese Flavour Popcorn. To preserve the wholesome flavour, we insist on popping in small batches. And you can rest assured its third-party certified like all our PC® Organics products.

In addition to developing innovative products for the PC® Blue Menu® line, the team at Real Canadian Superstore^® also helps shoppers make better choices through a variety of partnerships and programs such as Hypertension Canada, Canadian Diabetes Association and Dietitians of Canada. In-store pharmacists are available to answer health questions and provide helpful tips.

Learn more at www.pc.ca or in the new President's Choice^® Healthy Insider's Report^® and follow us on Twitter (@preschoice #healthyeating) and Facebook.

Grocery stores in Western Canada that feature President's Choice® products and offer a variety of in-store programs include: Real Canadian Superstore^®, Your Independent Grocer^®, nofrills®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™

*Findings are based on a Vision Critical online survey among 1,500 randomly selected Canadians with children under 18 years old in the household.

About Loblaw Companies Limited TSX:L

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice®, no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial® services and offers the PC® points loyalty program.

High-resolution images are available.

For further information or to arrange an interview please contact:

Loblaw Companies Limited
905-459-2500/pr@loblaw.ca

Axelle D'Anglemont, Hill Knowlton Strategies
604-692-4230/axelle.danglemont@hkstrategies.ca

Shop for Healthier Foods at Loblaws®

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 06:59:00 -0500

Eating healthier is made easy with a variety of New! and Must Try! President's Choice® foods

BRAMPTON, ON, Feb. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - TSX: L: The team at Loblaws^® is dedicated to helping Canadians lead healthier lifestyles. During the Bring Healthier Home™ campaign which launches in stores on February 22, customers can find lots of new PC® products that will make it easier to make more nutritious choices.

Here are five tips that can be easily integrated into family meal routines.

Tip #1: Maximize Your Meals

Tip #2: Grains Take Centre Stage

Switch up your usual sides! Try adding our new PC® Blue Menu™ Sides Bulgar and Quinoa to your favorite meal for a medley of vegetables, grains and chickpeas ready in in just 7 minutes.

Tip #3: Healthier on the Go

Tip #4: Reel in Flavour

Tip #5: Savvy Snacking

In addition to developing innovative products for the PC® Blue Menu® line, the team at Loblaws^® also helps shoppers make better choices through a variety of partnerships and programs such as Hypertension Canada, Canadian Diabetes Association and Dietitians of Canada. In-store pharmacists and dietitians are available to answer health questions and provide helpful tips. And, across Ontario, Guiding Stars®, a nutrition navigation program that provides at-a-glance-nutritional ratings for foods found in every department.

Learn more at www.pc.ca or in the new President's Choice^® Healthy Insider's Report^® and follow us on Twitter (@preschoice #healthyeating) and Facebook.

Grocery stores in Ontario that feature President's Choice® products and offer a variety of in-store programs include: Loblaws^®, Loblaw great food™, Fortinos^®, Zehrs Markets^®, Zehrs Great Food™, Your Independent Grocer^®, valu-mart^®, nofrills® and Real Canadian Superstore^®®.

*Findings are based on a Vision Critical online survey among 1,500 randomly selected Canadians with children under 18 years old in the household.

About Loblaw Companies Limited TSX:L

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice®, no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial® services and offers the PC® points loyalty program.

High-resolution images are available.

For further information or to arrange an interview please contact:

Loblaw Companies Limited
905-459-2500/pr@loblaw.ca

Laura Tulley, Hill Knowlton Strategies
416-413-4635 / laura.tulley@hkstrategies.ca

Loblaw Companies Limited Declares Dividends

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 06:30:00 -0500

BRAMPTON, ON, Feb. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited's (TSX: L) Board of Directors announced that it has declared a quarterly dividend on Loblaw Companies Limited Common Shares at $0.22 payable April 1, 2013 to shareholders of record March 15, 2013 and Second Preferred Shares, Series A at $0.371875 per share payable April 30, 2013 to shareholders of record April 15, 2013.

Kim Lee
Vice President, Investor Relations
905-459-2500
investor@loblaw.ca

Loblaw Companies Limited Reports 2012 Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2012 Results(1)

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 06:30:00 -0500

BRAMPTON, ON, Feb. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L) ("Loblaw" or the "Company") today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter of 2012 and the release of its 2012 Annual Report - Financial Review, which includes the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012. The Company's 2012 Annual Report will be available in the Investor Centre section of the Company's website at loblaw.ca and will be filed with SEDAR and available at sedar.com.

Fourth Quarter 2012 Summary⁽¹⁾

Basic net earnings per common share of $0.51, including a $0.16 charge related to restructuring, compared to $0.62 in the fourth quarter of 2011.

EBITDA margin⁽²⁾ of 6.0%, or 6.8% excluding the charge for restructuring, compared to 6.6% in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Revenue of $7,465 million, an increase of 1.2% over the fourth quarter of 2011.

Retail sales growth of 0.9% and flat same-store sales⁽³⁾.

"2012 was a pivotal year for Loblaw - improving the customer proposition, driving the infrastructure program, and reducing costs," said Galen G. Weston , Executive Chairman, Loblaw Companies Limited. "Despite challenges during the year, the team delivered on plan. Good performance metrics in the last quarter of 2012 and through the beginning of 2013 indicate that management's strategy is taking hold."

"Looking forward, I am confident that our customer offer is improving steadily, the team is driving efficiencies appropriately, and has a disciplined approach to growth. This combination will further strengthen our business and build long term value for shareholders."

Consolidated Quarterly Results of Operations


For the periods ended December 29, 2012 and December 31 2011 (unaudited)
(millions of Canadian dollars except where otherwise indicated)	2012 (12 weeks)	2011 (12 weeks)	$ Change	% Change	2012 (52 weeks)	2011 (52 weeks)	$ Change	% Change
Revenue	$ 7,465	$ 7,373	$ 92	1.2%	$ 31,604	$ 31,250	$ 354	1.1%
Operating income	262	315	(53)	(16.8%)	1,196	1,384	(188)	(13.6%)
Net earnings	143	174	(31)	(17.8%)	650	769	(119)	(15.5%)
Basic net earnings per common share ($)	0.51	0.62	(0.11)	(17.7%)	2.31	2.73	(0.42)	(15.4%)
Operating margin⁽³⁾	3.5%	4.3%			3.8%	4.4%
EBITDA⁽²⁾	$ 449	$ 485	(36)	(7.4%)	$ 1,973	$ 2,083	(110)	(5.3%)
EBITDA margin⁽²⁾	6.0%	6.6%			6.2%	6.7%

(1)	This News Release contains forward-looking information. See Forward-Looking Statements in this News Release for a discussion of material factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the conclusions, forecasts and projections herein and of the material factors and assumptions that were used when making these statements. This News Release should be read in conjunction with Loblaw Companies Limited's filings with securities regulators made from time to time, all of which can be found at sedar.com and at loblaw.ca.
(2)	See Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this News Release.
(3)	For financial definitions and ratios refer to the Glossary of Terms in the Company's 2012 Annual Report - Financial Review.

During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company announced a plan that reduced the number of head office and administrative positions. Focused primarily on management and office positions, the plan affected approximately 700 jobs. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company incurred a $61 million charge associated with this restructuring.
For 2012, the Company incurred $55 million of incremental investment in its customer proposition that was not covered by operations, comprised of $20 million in price, $15 million in shrink and $20 million in labour. Of this amount, $15 million was incurred in the fourth quarter of 2012, $10 million of which was in shrink and $5 million was in labour.
The $92 million increase in revenue compared to the fourth quarter of 2011 was driven by increases in both the Company's Retail and Financial Services operating segments, as described below.
Operating income decreased by $53 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2011 as a result of a decrease in Retail operating income of $69 million, partially offset by an increase in Financial Services operating income of $16 million. Operating income included the following notable items:

A $61 million charge associated with the reduction in head office and administrative positions;
Incremental costs of $19 million related to investments in information technology ("IT") and supply chain. These costs included the following charges:

$79 million (2011 - $67 million) related to IT costs;
$53 million (2011 - $43 million) related to depreciation and amortization;
$2 million (2011 - $7 million) related to other supply chain project costs; and
$2 million (2011 - nil) related to changes in the distribution network.

A $17 million charge (2011 - $5 million) for fixed asset impairments net of recoveries, related to asset carrying values in excess of recoverable amounts for specific retail locations;
A $5 million charge (2011 - $23 million) related to the transition of certain Ontario conventional stores to the more cost effective and efficient operating terms of collective agreements ratified in 2010;
A $2 million charge (2011 - $4 million) related to the effect of share-based compensation net of equity forwards; and
A nil charge (2011 - $16 million) related to start-up costs associated with the launch of the Company's Joe Fresh brand in the United States.

Operating margin⁽¹⁾ was 3.5%, or 4.3% excluding the charge for restructuring, for the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to 4.3% in the same quarter in 2011.
The decrease in net earnings of $31 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2011 was primarily due to the decrease in operating income, partially offset by a decline in the effective income tax rate.
Basic net earnings per common share were impacted by the following notable items:

A $0.16 charge related to the reduction in head office and administrative positions;
A $0.05 charge related to incremental investments in IT and supply chain;
A $0.05 charge (2011 - $0.01) for fixed asset impairments net of recoveries;
A $0.01 charge (2011 - $0.06) related to the transition of certain Ontario conventional stores to the operating terms under collective agreements ratified in 2010;
A nil charge (2011 - $0.01) related to the effect of share-based compensation net of equity forwards; and
A nil charge (2011 - $0.04) related to the start-up costs associated with the launch of the Company's Joe Fresh brand in the United States.

In 2012, the Company invested $1.0 billion in capital expenditures with approximately 55% invested in its IT and supply chain infrastructure and the remaining 45% invested in its retail operations.
In December 2012, the Company announced its intention to create a Real Estate Investment Trust ("REIT"), which will acquire a significant portion of Loblaw's real estate assets and sell units by way of an Initial Public Offering ("IPO"). The IPO of the REIT is expected to be completed by mid-2013, subject to prevailing market conditions and receipt of required regulatory approvals, including approval to list the units on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

(1) For financial definitions and ratios refer to the Glossary of Terms in the Company's 2012 Annual Report - Financial Review.

The consolidated quarterly results by reportable operating segments were as follows:

Retail Results of Operations


For the periods ended December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (unaudited)
(millions of Canadian dollars except where otherwise indicated)	2012 (12 weeks)	2011 (12 weeks)	$ Change	% Change	2012 (52 weeks)	2011 (52 weeks)	$ Change	% Change
Sales	$ 7,289	$ 7,226	$ 63	0.9%	$ 30,960	$ 30,703	$ 257	0.8%
Gross profit	1,575	1,569	6	0.4%	6,819	6,820	(1)	-
Operating income	228	297	(69)	(23.2%)	1,101	1,312	(211)	(16.1%)
Same-store sales⁽¹⁾ (decline) growth	0.0%	2.5%			(0.2%)	0.9%
Gross profit percentage	21.6%	21.7%			22.0%	22.2%
Operating margin⁽¹⁾	3.1%	4.1%			3.6%	4.3%

In the fourth quarter of 2012, the increase of $63 million in Retail sales over the same period in the prior year was impacted by the following factors:

Same-store sales⁽¹⁾ were flat (2011 - growth of 2.5%), with an extra day of store operations having a positive impact on 2011 same-store sales⁽¹⁾ estimated to be between 0.8% and 1.0%;
Sales growth in both food and drugstore were modest;
Sales growth in gas bar was moderate;
Sales in general merchandise, excluding apparel, declined moderately;
Sales in apparel were flat;
The Company's average quarterly internal food price index was flat during the fourth quarter of 2012 (2011 - moderate inflation), which was lower than the average quarterly national food price inflation of 1.5% (2011 - 5.2%) as measured by "The Consumer Price Index for Food Purchased from Stores" ("CPI"). CPI does not necessarily reflect the effect of inflation on the specific mix of goods sold in Loblaw stores; and
18 corporate and franchise stores were opened and 11 corporate and franchise stores were closed in the last 12 months, resulting in a net increase of 0.3 million square feet, or 0.6%.

In the fourth quarter of 2012, gross profit percentage was 21.6%, a decrease from 21.7% in the fourth quarter of 2011. This decline was primarily driven by investments in food margins and increased shrink, partially offset by margin improvements in drugstore and general merchandise and decreased transportation costs. Gross profit increased by $6 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2011, primarily driven by higher sales, partially offset by investments in gross profit percentage. Increased shrink expense included an estimated $10 million of the incremental investment in the Company's customer proposition related to improved assortment in stores that was not covered by operations.
Operating income decreased by $69 million, including the $61 million charge for restructuring, compared to the fourth quarter of 2011 and operating margin⁽¹⁾ was 3.1%, or 4.0% excluding the restructuring charge, for the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to 4.1% in the same period in 2011. In addition to the notable items described in the Consolidated Results of Operations above, operating income and operating margin⁽¹⁾ were negatively impacted by foreign exchange losses and increased labour costs, partially offset by other operating cost efficiencies and an increase in gross profit. Increased labour costs included an estimated $5 million of the incremental investment in the Company's customer proposition related to improved service in stores that was not covered by operations.

(1) For financial definitions and ratios refer to the Glossary of Terms in the Company's 2012 Annual Report - Financial Review.

Financial Services Results of Operations


For the periods ended December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (unaudited)
(millions of Canadian dollars except where otherwise indicated)	2012 (12 weeks)	2011 (12 weeks)	$ Change	% Change	2012 (52 weeks)	2011 (52 weeks)	$ Change	% Change
Revenue	$ 176	$ 147	$ 29	19.7%	$ 644	$ 547	$ 97	17.7%
Operating income	34	18	16	88.9%	95	72	23	31.9%
Earnings before income taxes	23	7	16	228.6%	50	24	26	108.3%



Unaudited (millions of Canadian dollars except where otherwise indicated)	As at December 29, 2012	As at December 31, 2011	$ Change	% Change
Average quarterly net credit card receivables	$ 2,105	$ 1,974	$ 131	6.6%
Credit card receivables	2,305	2,101	204	9.7%
Allowance for credit card receivables	43	37	6	16.2%
Annualized yield on average quarterly gross credit card receivables	12.8%	12.5%
Annualized credit loss rate on average quarterly gross credit card receivables	4.3%	4.2%

The 19.7% increase in revenue over the fourth quarter of 2011 was driven by higher PC Telecom revenues resulting from the 2011 launch of Mobile Shop kiosks and higher interest income and interchange fee income as a result of increased credit card transaction values and higher credit card receivables balances.
The increases of $16 million in operating income and in earnings before income taxes compared to the fourth quarter of 2011 were mainly attributable to the higher revenue described above and lower costs related to the renegotiation of vendor contracts. This was partially offset by investments in the launch of PC Telecom's Mobile Shop kiosks and an increased allowance for credit card receivables as a result of quarterly growth in the credit card receivables program.

Outlook⁽¹⁾

In 2012, the Company strengthened its customer proposition and made significant progress with its IT infrastructure implementation. These initiatives will continue in 2013, with investments in price, assortment and labour expected to be offset by operating efficiencies. Investment in infrastructure programs will continue as the IT system is rolled out to distribution centres and stores, with associated expenses flat to 2012. Sales growth in 2013 will be moderated by a competitive environment characterized by ongoing square footage expansions, a new competitor's entry into the market and generic drug deflation. As a result, the Company expects modest growth in operating income in 2013, excluding the impact of the $61 million restructuring charge recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012 and the impact of the previously announced plan to launch an IPO of a new REIT.

In addition, the Company expects the following for 2013:

an effective tax rate in the range of 26% - 27%, compared to 24.9% in 2012;
the adoption of amendments to the accounting standard related to employee benefits, which will result in a restatement of the 2012 consolidated financial statements to reflect a reduction in net earnings by approximately $16 million or $0.06 per share; and
capital expenditures to be approximately $1 billion, unchanged from 2012, with net new retail square footage growth of approximately 1%.

Over the long term, the Company still expects positive same-store sales⁽²⁾, a decline in IT and supply chain costs, and a moderation of capital expenditures. This should result in growth in operating income, EBITDA⁽³⁾ and an increase in free cash flow⁽³⁾.

(1) See Forward-Looking Statements in this News Release.
(2) For financial definitions and ratios refer to the Glossary of Terms in the Company's 2012 Annual Report - Financial Review.
(3) See Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this News Release.

Forward-Looking Statements

failure to realize anticipated results, including revenue growth, anticipated cost savings or operating efficiencies from the Company's major initiatives, including those from restructuring;
failure to realize benefits from investments in the Company's IT systems, including the Company's IT systems implementation, or unanticipated results from these initiatives;
the inability of the Company's IT infrastructure to support the requirements of the Company's business;
heightened competition, whether from current competitors or new entrants to the marketplace;
changes in economic conditions including the rate of inflation or deflation, changes in interest and currency exchange rates and derivative and commodity prices;
public health events including those related to food safety;
failure to achieve desired results in labour negotiations, including the terms of future collective bargaining agreements, which could lead to work stoppages;
the inability of the Company to manage inventory to minimize the impact of obsolete or excess inventory and to control shrink;
the impact of potential environmental liabilities;
failure to respond to changes in consumer tastes and buying patterns;
reliance on the performance and retention of third party service providers including those associated with the Company's supply chain and apparel business;
supply and quality control issues with vendors;
changes to the regulation of generic prescription drug prices and the reduction of reimbursement under public drug benefit plans and the elimination or reduction of professional allowances paid by drug manufacturers;
changes in the Company's income, commodity, other tax and regulatory liabilities including changes in tax laws, regulations or future assessments;
any requirement of the Company to make contributions to its registered funded defined benefit pension plans or the multi-employer pension plans in which it participates in excess of those currently contemplated;
the risk that the Company would experience a financial loss if its counterparties fail to meet their obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions of their contracts with the Company;
the inability of the Company to collect on its credit card receivables; and
failure to execute the IPO of the Company's proposed REIT could adversely affect the reputation, operations and financial performance of the Company.

This is not an exhaustive list of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. Other risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not material could also cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in its forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time, including the Enterprise Risks and Risk Management section of the Management's Discussion and Analysis on pages 23 to 31 of the Annual Report. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's expectations only as of the date of this News Release. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company uses the following non-GAAP financial measures: EBITDA, EBITDA margin and free cash flow. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors in measuring the financial performance and financial condition of the Company for the reasons outlined below. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded companies, and they should not be construed as an alternative to other financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP.

EBITDA and EBITDA Margin The following table reconciles earnings before income taxes, interest expense and depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") to operating income which is reconciled to GAAP net earnings measures reported in the consolidated statements of earnings for the years ended December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011. EBITDA is useful to management in assessing performance of its ongoing operations and its ability to generate cash flows to fund its cash requirements, including the Company's capital investment program.

EBITDA margin is calculated as EBITDA divided by sales.


		2012	2011	2012	2011
(millions of Canadian dollars)		(unaudited) (12 weeks)	(unaudited) (12 weeks)	(unaudited) (52 weeks)	(unaudited) (52 weeks)
Net earnings		$ 143	$ 174	$ 650	$ 769
Add impact of the following:
	Income taxes	39	60	215	288
	Net interest expense and other financing charges	80	81	331	327
Operating income		262	315	1,196	1,384
Add impact of the following:
	Depreciation and amortization	187	170	777	699
EBITDA		$ 449	$ 485	$ 1,973	$ 2,083

Free Cash Flow The following table reconciles free cash flow used in assessing the Company's financial condition to GAAP measures reported in the annual audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The Company believes that free cash flow is a useful measure in assessing the Company's cash available for additional funding and investing activities.

Free cash flow is calculated as cash flows from operating activities excluding the net change in credit card receivables, less fixed asset purchases.


	2012	2011	2012	2011
(millions of Canadian dollars)	(unaudited) (12 weeks)	(unaudited) (12 weeks)	(unaudited) (52 weeks)	(unaudited) (52 weeks)
Cash flows from operating activities	$ 605	$ 620	$ 1,637	$ 1,814
Net increase (decrease) in credit card receivables	232	190	204	104
Less: Fixed asset purchases	361	347	1,017	987
Free cash flow	$ 476	$ 463	$ 824	$ 931

Selected Financial Information

The following includes selected quarterly financial information, which is prepared by management in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and is based on the Company's audited annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 29, 2012. This financial information does not contain all disclosures required by IFRS, and accordingly, should be read in conjunction with the Company's 2012 Annual Report which are available in the Investor Centre section of the Company's website at loblaw.ca.

Consolidated Statements of Earnings


		2012		2011		2012		2011
For the periods ended December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (millions of Canadian dollars except where otherwise indicated)		(12 Weeks) (unaudited)		(12 Weeks) (unaudited)		(52 Weeks) (audited)		(52 Weeks) (audited)
Revenue		$	7,465	$	7,373	$	31,604	$	31,250
Cost of Merchandise Inventories Sold			5,731		5,664		24,185		23,894
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses			1,472		1,394		6,223		5,972
Operating Income			262		315		1,196		1,384
Net interest expense and other financing charges			80		81		331		327
Earnings Before Income Taxes			182		234		865		1,057
Income taxes			39		60		215		288
Net Earnings		$	143	$	174	$	650	$	769
Net Earnings per Common Share ($)
	Basic	$	0.51	$	0.62	$	2.31	$	2.73
	Diluted	$	0.48	$	0.60	$	2.28	$	2.71

Consolidated Balance Sheets


		As at		As at
(millions of Canadian dollars)		December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
Assets
Current Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,079	$	966
	Short term investments		716		754
	Accounts receivable		456		467
	Credit card receivables		2,305		2,101
	Inventories		2,007		2,025
	Prepaid expenses and other assets		74		117
	Assets held for sale		30		32
Total Current Assets			6,667		6,462
Fixed Assets			8,973		8,725
Investment Properties			100		82
Goodwill and Intangible Assets			1,057		1,029
Deferred Income Taxes			260		232
Security Deposits			252		266
Franchise Loans Receivable			363		331
Other Assets			289		301
Total Assets		$	17,961	$	17,428
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
	Trade payables and other liabilities	$	3,720	$	3,677
	Provisions		78		35
	Income taxes payable		21		14
	Short term debt		905		905
	Long term debt due within one year		672		87
Total Current Liabilities			5,396		4,718
Provisions			59		50
Long Term Debt			4,997		5,493
Deferred Income Taxes			18		21
Capital Securities			223		222
Other Liabilities			851		917
Total Liabilities			11,544		11,421
Shareholders' Equity
Common Share Capital			1,567		1,540
Retained Earnings			4,790		4,414
Contributed Surplus			55		48
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			5		5
Total Shareholders' Equity			6,417		6,007
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity		$	17,961	$	17,428

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow


			2012		2011		2012		2011
For the periods ended December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (millions of Canadian dollars)			(12 weeks) (unaudited)		(12 weeks) (unaudited)		(52 weeks) (audited)		(52 weeks) (audited)
Operating Activities
	Net earnings		$	143	$	174	$	650	$	769
	Income taxes			39		60		215		288
	Net interest expense and other financing charges			80		81		331		327
	Depreciation and amortization			187		170		777		699
	Income taxes paid			(47)		(54)		(232)		(216)
	Interest received			18		18		52		60
	Settlement of equity forward contracts			-		(7)		-		(7)
	Change in credit card receivables			(232)		(190)		(204)		(104)
	Change in non-cash working capital			431		348		55		8
	Fixed assets and other related impairments			12		(4)		19		5
	Gain on disposal of assets			(11)		(7)		(12)		(18)
	Other			(15)		31		(14)		3
Cash Flows from Operating Activities				605		620		1,637		1,814
Investing Activities
	Fixed asset purchases			(361)		(347)		(1,017)		(987)
	Change in short term investments			135		51		20		18
	Proceeds from fixed asset sales			29		6		62		57
	Change in franchise investments and other receivables			(21)		(27)		(22)		(18)
	Change in security deposits			(6)		(85)		11		92
	Goodwill and intangible asset additions			1		(8)		(43)		(14)
	Other			-		(4)		-		(4)
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities				(223)		(414)		(989)		(856)
Financing Activities
	Change in bank indebtedness			-		-		-		(10)
	Change in short term debt			-		-		-		370
	Long term debt
		Issued		62		4		111		287
		Retired		(18)		(53)		(115)		(909)
	Interest paid			(103)		(103)		(356)		(380)
	Dividends paid			-		(59)		(177)		(193)
	Common shares
		Issued		15		2		22		21
		Purchased for cancellation		(10)		(17)		(16)		(39)
Cash Flows used in Financing Activities				(54)		(226)		(531)		(853)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents				2		(1)		(4)		4
Change in cash and cash equivalents				330		(21)		113		109
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period				749		987		966		857
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period			$	1,079	$	966	$	1,079	$	966

2012 Annual Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and MD&A

The Company's 2012 Annual Report will be available in the Investor Centre section of the Company's website at loblaw.ca or at sedar.com.

Investor Relations

Shareholders, security analysts and investment professionals should direct their requests to Kim Lee , Vice President, Investor Relations at the Company's National Head Office or by e-mail at investor@loblaw.ca.

Conference Call and Webcast

Loblaw Companies Limited will host a conference call as well as an audio webcast on February 21, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. (EST).

To access via tele-conference please dial (647) 427-7450. The playback will be made available two hours after the event at (416) 849-0833,
access code: 85735911. To access via webcast please visit loblaw.ca, go to Investor Centre and click on webcast. Pre-registration will be available.

Full details are available on the Loblaw Companies Limited website at loblaw.ca.

Kim Lee, Vice President, Investor Relations at the Company's National Head Office or by e-mail at investor@loblaw.ca.

Shop for Healthier Foods at Atlantic Superstore®

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 05:59:00 -0500

Eating healthier is made easy with a variety of New! and Must Try! President's Choice® foods

BRAMPTON, ON, Feb. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - TSX: L: The team at Atlantic Superstore® is dedicated to helping Canadians lead healthier lifestyles. During the Bring Healthier Home™ campaign which launches in stores on February 22, customers can find lots of new PC® products that will make it easier to make more nutritious choices.

Here are five tips that can be easily integrated into family meal routines.

Tip #1: Maximize Your Meals

Thinly sliced to cook up quickly, our Must Try! PC® Blue Menu™ Chicken Breast Strips are a simple way to add lean protein to a variety of meals. Try it topped on salads, sandwiches, curries, fajitas, pastas and pizzas. Turkey Breast strips are also available.

The Must Try! PC^® Blue Menu™ Granola Boost™ with Protein Cereal is made with whole-grain oats and wheat flavoured with semi-sweet chocolate chips and cocoa and provides 6 grams or soy protein per 55 gram serving! Plus, it's high in fibre and a source of 8 vitamins and minerals. The PC® Blue Menu™ Granola Boost™ comes in four tasty varieties each with its own benefit -Chocolate with Protein, Mixed Berry with Polyphenols, Banana Nut with Omega-3 and Apple Cinnamon with Fibre. Try it sprinkled over yogurt, topped with fruit or add a splash of skim milk and enjoy as a cereal. "This yummy granola can even be enjoyed like a trail mix so throw a pack in your gym bag or keep one in your car for smart snacking on the go!" says Tina.

Must Try! PC® Coconut Water from Concentrate is made from young green coconuts. Just one cup delivers 480 mg of potassium (more than a medium sized banana!), is a source of magnesium and has only 45 calories. Try it added to fresh fruit smoothies for an extra helping of vitamins in the morning; here's a Tropical Coconut Smoothie recipe available on pc.ca.

Tip #2: Grains Take Centre Stage

"Whole grains are an important source of nutrition because they contain all parts of a plant's seed which means they tend to have more nutrients than refined grains," says Tina. "Our new PC® Blue Menu™ Whole Grain Brown Rice with Lentils and Quinoa Blend Side Dish is mildly seasoned and packed with brown rice, lentils and quinoa, making it a convenient and healthier alternative to white rice."

Switch up your usual sides! Try adding our new PC® Blue Menu™ Sides Bulgar and Quinoa to your favorite meal for a medley of vegetables, grains and chickpeas ready in in just 7 minutes.

Tip #3: Healthier on the Go

Eating well on the go is always a challenge. Here are a few easy, nutritious solutions. New PC® Seven Grain Melba Toast is a good option for busy mornings or hectic afternoons. Each 100 gram box contains 5 convenient pouches; it's available in Poppyseed or Pumpkin.

Fans of our best-selling PC® 0% M.F. Plain Greek Yogurt will be thrilled to hear it now comes in convenient single-serve cups. Easy to take on the go and to pack in lunches, each 142 g container provides 14 g of protein. It's available in four flavours Plain, Peach & Passion fruit, Strawberry and Blueberry.

Looking for an alternative to baby food in glass jars? Try the New! PC® Organics™ Strained Baby Food in Squeezable Pouch. The squeezable BPA-free pouches mean added convenience and portability - with no sugar added, no artificial flavours or colours. "The pouches are easy to warm and can be squeezed directly onto a spoon or into a bowl so there's less mess," says Tina.

Tip #4: Reel in Flavour

Want something low in fat and sodium or a way to add lean protein? Consider Hoki fish and Tilapia. New! PC® Blue Menu® Wild Hoki Skinless Fillets from New Zealand have a mild-taste similar to cod and a texture that's firm yet flaky. Try it baked, sautéed, pan-fried or breaded - it's that versatile.

Our sumptuous new PC® Blue Menu® Tilapia is the first PC® product to be certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), an independent, not-for-profit organization that manages the worldwide standards for responsibly farmed seafood. A white fish with a very clean taste and slightly sweet flavour, our tilapia will appeal to kids, too. If you want to keep things interesting by introducing different lean proteins into your diet, this is a fantastic way to do it.

Tip #5: Savvy Snacking

We all sneak in the occasional snack - there's no shame in that! The delicious New! PC® Blue Menu® Sea Salt Cannellini Bean Crisps have 8 g of fibre and 1.5 g of omega-3 per serving, not to mention a satisfying crunch! Also try out the Smoky Sweet Chili Flavour Adzuki Bean Crisps.

Those who prefer to eat organic can prepare for the inevitable cravings with our savoury new PC® Organics Cheddar Cheese Flavour Popcorn. To preserve the wholesome flavour, we insist on popping in small batches. And you can rest assured its third-party certified like all our PC® Organics products.

In addition to developing innovative products for the PC® Blue Menu® line, the team at Atlantic Superstore® also helps shoppers make better choices through a variety of partnerships and programs such as Hypertension Canada, Canadian Diabetes Association and Dietitians of Canada. In-store pharmacists are available to answer health questions and provide helpful tips.

Learn more at www.pc.ca or in the new President's Choice^® Healthy Insider's Report^® and follow us on Twitter (@preschoice #healthyeating) and Facebook.

Grocery stores in Atlantic Canada that feature President's Choice® products and offer a variety of in-store programs include: Atlantic Superstore®, Dominion® (in Newfoundland and Labrador), SaveEasy® and nofrills®.

*Findings are based on a Vision Critical online survey among 1,500 randomly selected Canadians with children under 18 years old in the household.

About Loblaw Companies Limited TSX:L

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice®, no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial® services and offers the PC® points loyalty program.

High-resolution images are available.

For further information or to arrange an interview please contact:

Loblaw Companies Limited
905-459-2500/pr@loblaw.ca

Margaret Poole, Poole Communications
902-443-1410 / poolecom@ns.sympatico.ca

Families who eat dinner together more often say they make healthier food choices, survey says

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 05:59:00 -0500

Quebec families are most likely to eat dinner together, while Atlantic Canadian families are least likely

BRAMPTON, ON, Feb. 20, 2013 /CNW/ - TSX:L: Eight-in-ten (82%) Canadian families are sitting down at least four times a week for family dinners. Two-thirds (66%) of these families are also making healthier eating choices reveals a survey* conducted for Loblaw Companies Limited just as the grocer launches its Bring Healthier Home™ campaign on February 22. The survey looks at how often families eat together, when parents teach their children about food and some of the choices Canadians make to eat healthier.

"Getting together for family meals is a habit that we should always encourage," says Alexis Williams, registered dietitian and director, health and wellness at Loblaw Companies Limited. "Mealtime is a great opportunity to familiarize children with cooking and have fun while instilling good eating habits. Encouraging such habits can have a significant impact on our health, which is why it is essential to integrate sensible food choices and nutritional solutions into your lifestyle."

National Highlights

The biggest obstacle in getting to the dinner table together is work schedules (68%) followed by demands from children's after school activities (34%).
Overall, Canadian families report to be focused on the following areas in an effort to be healthier: eating more fresh foods (40%), reducing sugar intake (31%), reducing fat intake (28%) and reducing sodium intake (23%).
Canadian families estimate that about two-thirds (69%) of their total grocery purchases are made up of what they would consider to be healthier eating options.
Six-in-ten parents teach kids about nutritious choices while grocery shopping and sixty-three per cent of parents do so while prepping meals.

Survey Results by Province	British Columbia	Alberta	Saskatchewan & Manitoba	Ontario	Quebec	Atlantic Canada	National

What per cent of families eat breakfast together at least four times a week?	26%	26%	24%	27%	39%	27%	29%

What per cent of families eat lunch together at least four times a week?	11%	18%	12%	11%	16%	16%	13%

What per cent of families eat dinner together at least four times a week?	79%	83%	78%	80%	90%	77%	82%

What per cent of people teach their children about healthier eating?	96%	97%	96%	98%	96%	98%	97%

What per cent of people teach their children about healthier eating while grocery shopping?	60%	67%	55%	68%	47%	64%	61%

What per cent of people teach their children about healthier eating while cooking?	64%	69%	58%	62%	64%	65%	63%

What per cent of people teach their children about healthier eating while eating?	84%	90%	90%	85%	82%	81%	85%

Percentage of grocery purchases that are made up of what Canadians consider healthy food options	62%	66%	58%	66%	62%	58%	63%

To help families develop and maintain good habits when preparing meals Loblaw banner stores offer several activities, resources and sensible nutritional solutions in stores and online at pc.ca.

PC^® Blue Menu^® products

If you want to fill your grocery cart with healthier products without having to compromise on taste, let PC^® Blue Menu^® products inspire you—they'll help you eat less fat or sodium in favour of fibre, omega-3 fatty acids or other nutrients.

Pharmacies

Do you need tips and advice to improve your health? Simply contact one of our pharmacists to receive information on the in-store dietitian program, for a consultation on blood pressure or to take a screening test for diabetes. Customers can also obtain information on the recommended daily sodium intake and tools to better understand how sodium can affect blood pressure and heart health. In addition to informing patients about personal health care and over-the-counter products, pharmacists can provide a range of services that contribute to their customers' overall well-being.

President's Choice^® Children's Charity

The President's Choice^® Children's Charity, with the help of customers and colleagues from Loblaw banner stores, is committed to helping kids by providing support to children with special needs and ensuring hungry tummies are filled with nutritious food. The Charity's goal is to make sure kids have every opportunity to live to their full potential. From February 22 to March 7, grocery shoppers are invited to make a $2 donation at the cash register or online at pc.ca/charity. The Charity guarantees that 100% of every dollar donated goes to helping kids.

For product ideas, recipes or tips to improve your diet visit pc.ca or visit your local Loblaw banner store: Atlantic Superstore®, Dominion® (in Newfoundland and Labrador), SaveEasy® and nofrills®.

Survey Method

*Vision Critical conducted an online survey on January 10, 2013 among 1,014 randomly selected Canadians aged 18+ across all provinces who are Angus Reid Forum panelists. The margin of error—which measures sampling variability—is +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current education, age, gender and region Census data to ensure a sample representative of the entire adult population of Canada. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

Vision Critical conducted an online survey from February 11 to February 13, 2013 among 1,500 randomly selected Canadians adults with children under 18 years old in the household and who are Angus Reid Forum panelists. The margin of error—which measures sampling variability—is +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current age, gender and region Census data to ensure a representative sample. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

About Loblaw Companies Limited TSX:L

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice®, no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial® services and offers the PC® points loyalty program.

For further information or to arrange an interview please contact:

Loblaw Companies Limited
905-459-2500/pr@loblaw.ca

Margaret Poole, Poole Communications
902-443-1410 / poolecom@ns.sympatico.ca

VOLUNTARY RECALL: PC White Corn Black Bean Mild Salsa and PC Salsa Mild

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:54:00 -0500

BRAMPTON, ON, Feb. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) is advising the public not to consume select 650 ml size of PC White Corn Black Bean Mild Salsa and 430 ml size of PC Salsa Mild, because some of the products may contain pieces of plastic.

Specifically:

650 ml size of PC White Corn Black Bean Mild Salsa: UPC 060383697211 with product code date BB:2013DE07,
430 ml size of PC Salsa Mild: UPC 060383736194 with product code date: BB:2014JA30

The vendor has identified the source and corrected the issue to ensure no further product issues.

Loblaw has removed all affected lot codes of this product from sale in stores as a precautionary measure as soon as it was notified of the issue from the vendor. No consumer complaints or injuries have been reported to date.

The products were sold at:

BC, AB, SK, MB: Extra Foods®, nofrills®, Real Canadian Superstore®, Shop Easy®, SuperValu®, Your Independent Grocer®, Real Canadian Wholesale Club®
ON: Fortinos, Loblaws®, nofrills®, Real Canadian Superstore®, Real Canadian Wholesale Club®, valu-mart®, Your Independent Grocer®, Zehrs®, Freshmart
Atlantic: Cash & Carry, Real Canadian Wholesale Club®, Dominion, Freshmart, Red & White, nofrills®, Save Easy, Real Canadian Superstore®
Quebec: AXEP, Group Distribution, L'Intermarché, Loblaws, Maxi & Cie, Maxi, Provigo, à plein gaz

For a complete list of store information please visit: http://loblawstores.ca/LCLOnline/

We sincerely apologize to our valued customers for any inconvenience or concern due to the unavailability of this product and its recall. The health and safety of our customers is paramount to us and we are committed to providing our customers with a clean and safe store environment and offering products that are produced, sourced and handled responsibly.

Customers can return the products to any of the above mentioned Loblaw banner stores in the provinces indicated where the customer service desk will provide a full refund (including without receipt) or contact customer service at 1-888-495-5111 or customerservice@presidentschoice.ca

Customers please contact:
Loblaw Customer Relations
1-888-495-5111 or customerservice@presidentschoice.ca

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
1-800-442-2342/TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday)

Media please contact:
Public Relations Department, Loblaw Companies Limited
pr@loblaw.ca or (905) 459-2500

VOLUNTARY RECALL: PC White Corn Black Bean Mild Salsa and PC Salsa Mild

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:30:00 -0500

BRAMPTON, ON – February 19, 2013 –Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) is advising the public not to consume select 650 ml size of PC White Corn Black Bean Mild Salsa and 430 ml size of PC Salsa Mild, because some of the products may contain pieces of plastic.

Specifically:

650 ml size of PC White Corn Black Bean Mild Salsa: UPC 060383697211 with product code date, BB: 2013DE07

430 ml size of PC Salsa Mild: UPC 060383736194 with product code date, BB: 2014JA30

The vendor has identified the source and corrected the issue to ensure no further product issues.

The products were sold at:

BC, AB, SK, MB: Extra Foods®, nofrills®, Real Canadian Superstore®, Shop Easy®, SuperValu®, Your Independent Grocer®, Real Canadian Wholesale Club®

ON: Fortinos, Loblaws®, nofrills®, Real Canadian Superstore®, Real Canadian Wholesale Club®, valu-mart®, Your Independent Grocer®, Zehrs®, Freshmart
Atlantic: Cash & Carry, Real Canadian Wholesale Club®, Dominion, Freshmart, Red & White, nofrills®, Save Easy, Real Canadian Superstore®
Quebec: AXEP, Group Distribution, L’Intermarché, Loblaws, Maxi & Cie, Maxi, Provigo, à plein gaz

For a complete list of store information please visit: http://loblawstores.ca/LCLOnline/

For more information:

Customers please contact:

Loblaw Customer Relations

1-888-495-5111 or customerservice@presidentschoice.ca

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

1-800-442-2342/TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday)

Media please contact:

Public Relations Department, Loblaw Companies Limited

pr@loblaw.ca or (905) 459-2500

For the Third Consecutive Year Loblaw Earns Distinction As One of Canada's Best Diversity Employers

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 06:59:00 -0500

BRAMPTON, ON, Feb. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - (TSX:L) - Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) is proud to announce that it has been named one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers for 2013 by Mediacorp Canada Inc. The award commends Loblaw for its commitment to creating an inclusive work environment that reflects the diversity of colleagues, customers and the communities around them. Reflect our Nation's Diversity is one of five principles of Loblaw's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment.

"Loblaw is honoured to be recognized as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers. We are proud of the improvement we have made in reflecting diversity in the products we sell, the people we attract and the workplace culture we create," said Judy McCrie, executive vice-president, Human Resources and Labour Relations, Loblaw Companies Limited.

Loblaw's diversity efforts are spearheaded by its Inclusion Council, made up of senior leaders from across the organization. On a quarterly basis, the Council prepares an Inclusion Scorecard that is shared with the Company's Management Board. Key highlights of the Council's 2012 action plan included ensuring stores reflect the ethnicity of the communities they serve, increasing the percentage of female store managers, hiring persons with disabilities within stores and store support offices and developing and implementing programs to recruit targeted community groups from the Aboriginal and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered/Transexual (LGBT) populations.

Here are some of the initiatives that helped Loblaw earn its place on Canada's Best Diversity Employers list:

Women: Women@Loblaw is a network that is focused on providing professional development opportunities, exposure to senior leaders and networking focused on female colleagues. Events include a National Women's Conference as well as mentoring and networking opportunities. The goal of the network is to increase the number of women in leadership positions across the organization, including in stores and in executive office roles. Loblaw is also a member of the Women's Executive Network and Women's Foodservice Forum.

Diversity Champions: In 2012, Loblaw launched a "Diversity Champions" program designed to identify, coach and develop inclusive leaders in the business that would help to support and drive traction on its inclusion goals. The role of the Champion is to be a role model for inclusion, a communicator for building awareness and a local resource for diversity related issues. Each Diversity Champion is responsible for working on a project supporting one of Loblaw's strategic diversity goals.

Persons with Disabilities: As part of the Diversity Champions' network, Loblaw has dedicated diversity champions focused on developing action plans to help support the goal to hire more persons with disabilities in our stores and store support offices. Action plans included increasing awareness, identifying barriers in business for persons with disabilities and aligning with more community partners focused on job placements for persons with disabilities.

Loblaw also has a senior executive member on the Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. This panel engages private-sector businesses and other organizations and individuals to identify best practices and successful approaches, as well as barriers to employment from the employers' perspectives for people with disabilities.

Launched in 2008, Canada's Best Diversity Employers competition recognizes employers across Canada with exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs. Employers are examined based on a range of diversity initiatives covering five major employee groups: (a) Women; (b) Members of visible minorities; (c) Persons with disabilities; (d) Aboriginal peoples; and (e) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered/Transsexual (LGBT) peoples.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice®, no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial® services and offers the PC® points loyalty program.

Public Relations Department, Loblaw Companies Limited
pr@loblaw.ca or (905) 459-2500

Thanks British Columbia! Your donations helped feed thousands of hungry families across the province last year

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 09:59:00 -0500

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19

VANCOUVER, Feb. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - British Columbia food banks got a big boost last year thanks to the $160,000 and 140,000 pounds food donated by customers and colleagues during food drives held at Real Canadian Superstore^®, Your Independent Grocer^®, nofrills^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ stores.

"Food banks in British Columbia assist an average of nearly 100,000 individuals each month, 30 per cent of who are children," says Laura Lansink, executive director, Food Banks BC. "The donations collected through the annual spring and holiday campaigns held at these stores go a long way to helping us keep our shelves stocked all year long."

Across Canada, Loblaw banner stores like Loblaws^®, Loblaw great food^®, Fortinos^®, Zehrs Markets^®, Zehrs Great Food™, Your Independent Grocer^®, valu-mart^®, Real Canadian Superstore^®, Extra Foods^®, Atlantic Superstore^®, Provigo^® and nofrills^® raised $1.8 million and 1.47 million pounds of food for local food banks in 2012. Thanks to customers' generosity and support, donations in 2012 exceeded those of 2011.

Loblaw grocery stores have a long history of supporting food banks in their local communities. In 2009, the Company rebranded their efforts to the Extra Helping™ Food Drive campaign, a united, national campaign in an effort to reduce hunger. Since then, Loblaw stores have raised more than $5.4 million and more than 5.7 million pounds of food to support local food banks.

"Loblaw is committed to fighting hunger across Canada and we want to express our utmost gratitude to our customers for sharing our dedication to this cause and for their generosity in helping to feed families in local communities," says Peggy Hornell, senior director, Community Investment, Loblaw Companies Limited.

In addition, through annual corporate donations, Loblaw Companies Limited has contributed $1.125 million to date to Food Banks Canada in support of their National Food Sharing Program.

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19, 2013 at Real Canadian Superstore^®, Your Independent Grocer^®, nofrills^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ stores in communities across British Columbia.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

About Food Banks BC

Food Banks BC is the provincial association of 93 member food banks across the province! Our vision is a hunger-free future, and we work hard to support and inspire each one of our member food banks so that they can in turn, achieve hunger-free communities all over BC. Every year through the National Food Sharing System (NFSS), we distribute more than one million pounds of food to community food banks. Plus, through our BC Sharing coupons program, food banks in our province are able to work directly with their local grocery stores to receive food donations, every time a shopper scans a BC Share coupon. Last year, our food banks helped close to 100,000 people throughout the province…. 30% were children!

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca

Laura Lansink,
Executive Director
Food Banks BC
604.498.1798
Laura@foodbanksbc.com

Thanks Alberta! Your donations helped feed thousands of hungry families across the province last year

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 08:59:00 -0500

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19

CALGARY, Feb. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Alberta food banks got a big boost last year thanks to the $220,000 and 225,000 pounds food donated by customers and colleagues during food drives held at Real Canadian Superstore^®, nofrills^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ stores.

"Food banks in Alberta assist an average of nearly 55,000 individuals each month, 44 per cent of who are children," says Jessi Evanoff with the Alberta Food Bank Network Association. "The donations collected through the annual spring and holiday campaigns held at these stores go a long way to helping us keep our shelves stocked all year long."

In addition, through annual corporate donations, Loblaw Companies Limited has contributed $1.125 million to date to Food Banks Canada in support of their National Food Sharing Program.

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19, 2013 at Real Canadian Superstore^®, nofrills^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ stores in communities across Alberta.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca

Jessi Evanoff
Coordinator, Alberta Food Bank Network Association
(780) 459-4598
contact@afbna.ca
www.afbna.ca

Thanks Saskatchewan! Your donations helped feed thousands of hungry families across the province last year

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 07:59:00 -0500

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19

REGINA, Feb. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Saskatchewan food banks got a big boost last year thanks to the $60,000 and 12,500 pounds food donated by customers and colleagues during food drives held at Real Canadian Superstore^®, Your Independent Grocer^®, nofrills^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ .

"Food banks in Saskatchewan assist an average of 25,000 individuals each month, half of who are children," says Bill Hall, Executive Director of Food Banks of Saskatchewan. "The donations collected through the annual spring and holiday campaigns held at these stores go a long way to helping us keep our shelves stocked all year long."

In addition, through annual corporate donations, Loblaw Companies Limited has contributed $1.125 million to date to Food Banks Canada in support of their National Food Sharing Program.

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19, 2013 at Real Canadian Superstore^®, Your Independent Grocer^®, nofrills^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ stores in communities across Saskatchewan.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

About Food Banks of Saskatchewan

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca

Bill Hall
Executive Director
Food Banks of Saskatchewan
Telephone: 306-937-5505
Email: emptystocking@sasktel.net

Thanks Manitoba! Your donations helped feed thousands of hungry families across the province last year

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 07:59:00 -0500

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19

WINNIPEG, Feb. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Manitoba food banks got a big boost last year thanks to the $65,000 and 27,000 pounds food donated by customers and colleagues during food drives held at Real Canadian Superstore^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ stores.

"Food banks in Manitoba assist an average of more than 63,000 individuals each month, half of who are children," says Kate Brenner, director of development, Winnipeg Harvest. "The donations collected through the annual spring and holiday campaigns held at these stores go a long way to helping us keep our shelves stocked all year long."

In addition, through annual corporate donations, Loblaw Companies Limited has contributed $1.125 million to date to Food Banks Canada in support of their National Food Sharing Program.

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19, 2013 at Real Canadian Superstore^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ stores in communities across Manitoba.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca

Chris Albi
Communications Coordinator
Winnipeg Harvest
Cell (204) 229-9660
media@winnipegharvest.org

Thanks Ontario! Your donations helped feed thousands of hungry families across the province last year

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 06:59:00 -0500

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19

BRAMPTON, ON, Feb. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Ontario food banks got a big boost last year thanks to the $700,000 and 850,000 pounds of food donated by customers and our teams from Loblaws^®, Loblaw great food^®_, Fortinos^®, Zehrs Markets^®, Zehrs Great Food™, Your Independent Grocer^®, valu-mart^®, Real Canadian Superstore^®and nofrills^® during last year's food drives.

"Food banks in Ontario assist an average of more than 400,000 individuals each month, 40 per cent of whom are children," says Bill Laidlaw, executive director at the Ontario Association of Food Banks. "The donations collected through the annual spring and holiday campaigns held at these stores go a long way to helping us keep our shelves stocked all year long."

Across Canada, Loblaw banner stores like Loblaws^®, Loblaw great food^®, Fortinos^®, Zehrs Markets^®, Zehrs Great Food™, Your Independent Grocer^®, valu-mart^®, Real Canadian Superstore^®, Atlantic Superstore^®, Provigo^® and nofrills^® raised $1.8 million and 1.47 million pounds of food for local food banks in 2012. Thanks to customers' generosity and support, donations in 2012 exceeded those of 2011.

Loblaw grocery stores have a long history of supporting food banks in their local communities. In 2009, the Company rebranded their efforts to the Extra Helping™ Food Drive campaign, a bi-annual national campaign in an effort to reduce hunger. Since then, Loblaw stores have raised more than $5.4 million and more than 5.7 million pounds of food.

In addition, through annual corporate donations, Loblaw Companies Limited has contributed $1.125 million to date to Food Banks Canada in support of their National Food Sharing Program.

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19, 2013 at Loblaws^®, Loblaw great food^®, Fortinos^®, Zehrs Markets^®, Zehrs Great Food™, Your Independent Grocer^®, valu-mart^®, Real Canadian Superstore^®and nofrills^® stores in communities across Ontario.

About Ontario Association of Food Banks

The Ontario Association of Food Banks is a network of 120 food banks and over 1,100 hunger relief programs and agencies across the province. Together, we serve 412,900 individuals, including 160,000 children, every month. We are committed to reducing hunger in Ontario through sustainable solutions that ensure the long-term health and success of communities across the province. To learn more, please visit: www.oafb.ca.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca

Bill Laidlaw
Executive Director
Ontario Association of Food Banks
416-656-4100, bill@oafb.ca

Amanda King
Associate Manager, Communications
Ontario Association of Food Banks
416-656-4100 x2932, amanda@oafb.ca

Thanks Prince Edward Island! Your donations helped feed thousands of hungry families across the province last year

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 05:59:00 -0500

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE, Feb. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Prince Edward Island food banks got a big boost last year thanks to the $15,000 and 15,500 pounds food donated by customers and colleagues during food drives held at Atlantic Superstore^®, Save Easy^® and nofrills^® stores.

"Food banks in Prince Edward Island assist an average of more than 3,400 individuals each month, 34 per cent of who are children," says Mike Macdonald with the P.E.I. Association of Food Banks. "The donations collected through the annual spring and holiday campaigns held at these stores go a long way to helping us keep our shelves stocked all year long."

In addition, through annual corporate donations, Loblaw Companies Limited has contributed $1.125 million to date to Food Banks Canada in support of their National Food Sharing Program.

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19, 2013 at Atlantic Superstore^®, Save Easy^® and nofrills^® stores in communities across Prince Edward Island.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

About the P.E.I. Association of Food Banks

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca

Mike Macdonald
P.E.I. Association of Food Banks
upper_room@pei.sympatico.ca

Thanks New Brunswick! Your donations helped feed thousands of hungry families across the province last year

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 05:59:00 -0500

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19

MONCTON, NB, Feb. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - New Brunswick food banks got a big boost last year thanks to the $90,000 and 30,000 pounds food donated by customers and colleagues during food drives held at Atlantic Superstore^®, Save Easy^® and nofrills^® stores.

"Food banks in New Brunswick assist an average of nearly 20,000 individuals each month, 32 per cent of who are children," says George Piers, president, New Brunswick Association of Food Banks. "The donations collected through the annual spring and holiday campaigns held at these stores go a long way to helping us keep our shelves stocked all year long."

In addition, through annual corporate donations, Loblaw Companies Limited has contributed $1.125 million to date to Food Banks Canada in support of their National Food Sharing Program.

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19, 2013 at Atlantic Superstore^®, Save Easy^® and nofrills^® stores in communities across New Brunswick.

About the New Brunswick Association of Food Banks

The New Brunswick Association of Food Banks Inc. is a nonprofit, charitable organization whose membership is comprised of food banks and soup kitchens throughout the province of New Brunswick. The organization's main activities include managing the New Brunswick sharing program; operating a provincial food distribution system; preparing a directory for members; representing New Brunswick food banks as a member of Food Banks Canada; and improving public awareness of hunger in the province.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca

Glenn Rioux, President
New Brunswick Association of Food Banks
Telephone: (506) 473-2001
Email: bargs@nb.aibn.com

Thanks Nova Scotia! Your donations helped feed thousands of hungry families across the province last year

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 05:59:00 -0500

HALIFAX, Feb. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Nova Scotia food banks got a big boost last year thanks to the $100,000 and 22,000 pounds food donated by customers and colleagues during food drives held at Atlantic Superstore^®, Save Easy^® and nofrills^® stores.

"Food banks in Nova Scotia assist an average of more than 23,500 individuals each month, 33 per cent of who are children," says Dianne Swinemar, executive director, FEED NOVA SCOTIA. "The donations collected through the annual spring and holiday campaigns held at these stores go a long way to helping us keep our shelves stocked all year long."

In addition, through annual corporate donations, Loblaw Companies Limited has contributed $1.125 million to date to Food Banks Canada in support of their National Food Sharing Program.

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19, 2013 at Atlantic Superstore^®, Save Easy^® and nofrills^® stores in communities across Nova Scotia.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

About FEED NOVA SCOTIA

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500
pr@loblaw.ca

Dianne Swinemar
Executive Director
FEED NOVA SCOTIA
Telephone: (902) 457-1900
dswinemar@feednovascotia.ca

Thanks Newfoundland and Labrador! Your donations helped feed thousands of hungry families across the province last year

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 05:29:00 -0500

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19

ST. JOHN'S, Feb. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Newfoundland and Labrador food banks got a big boost last year thanks to the $10,000 and 78,000 pounds food donated by customers and colleagues during food drives held at Dominion^®, Save Easy^® and nofrills^® stores.

"Food banks in Newfoundland and Labrador assist an average of more than 27,000 individuals each month, nearly 40 per cent of who are children," says Egbert Walters, manager, Community Food Sharing Association. "The donations collected through the annual spring and holiday campaigns held at these stores go a long way to helping us keep our shelves stocked all year long."

In addition, through annual corporate donations, Loblaw Companies Limited has contributed $1.125 million to date to Food Banks Canada in support of their National Food Sharing Program.

The 2013 Extra Helping™ Spring Food Drive kicks off on April 19, 2013 at Dominion^®, Save Easy^® and nofrills^® stores in communities across the province

About the Community Food Sharing Association

The Community Food Sharing Association is the central collection and distribution point for over 56 member agencies throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca

Glenn Rioux, President
New Brunswick Association of Food Banks
Email: bargs@nb.aibn.com

Egbert Walters, manager
Community Food Sharing Association
Telephone: (709) 722-0130
Email: etaw@nl.rogers.com

Welcome a year of luck, adventure and prosperity with a festive Chinese New Year party

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 05:59:00 -0500

HALIFAX, Feb. 6, 2013 /CNW/ - (TSX: L) The dazzling celebration of Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, falls this year on February 10 marking the end of the winter solstice according to the Chinese calendar and lunar new year. Chinese New Year is the longest and most important holiday in the Chinese calendar. T&T® brand products are being offered at Atlantic Superstore® locations to help celebrate. Created by the team at T&T® Supermarket, Canada's largest Asian supermarket chain, each T&T® product has been personally taste approved by Cindy Lee, CEO, T&T® Supermarket.

This year is the year of the water snake - bringing with it the possibility of luck, adventure and prosperity. As part of a multicultural society, why not take the time to learn about the unique traditions associated with this holiday and celebrate with your friends and family:

The most important event of Chinese New Year is the Reunion Dinner. The reunion dinner on the eve of the Lunar New Year draws all family members back home to reaffirm love and respect that bind them together as a unit. The best food is served for this feast in abundance! Try T&T® Crispy Crackers can make a perfect appetizer. These crispy crackers can be topped with grilled vegetables, flavourful spreads or even marinated seafood. Available in Milk, Cheese and Saltine varieties
Dumplings are considered a lucky food during this holiday. They symbolize wealth and are believed to bring abundance and prosperity because their shape resembles a Chinese ingot. Add some luck to your dinner with T&T® Cooked Dumplings or Pork Gyoza Dumplings - they're ready in just 2-3 minutes! Available in Shrimp & Chive, Shrimp or Pork varieties.
Another custom of Chinese New Year is to reconcile with loved ones, wish others peace and happiness and to forget old grudges.
Decorate your home with lanterns and banners in traditional red and gold, colours which signify wealth, longevity and good fortune.
Gifts are commonly given on Chinese New Year. These can be sweets such as cakes and candy or the traditional red envelopes containing 'lucky' money (always in even numbers, odd numbers are considered unlucky) or sometimes chocolate coins.
End your feast with sweet cakes, like T&T® Pineapple Cakes. Traditional pineapple cakes like these can be found in almost any bakery in Taiwan. The moist, crumbly, golden crust surrounds a chewy, fresh-tasting filling made with intensely sweet pineapples. Or try T&T® Chinese Style Pastry (also known as sachima), a moist, chewy puffed wheat snack from Taiwan resembling puffed rice squares. These treats are irresistibly sweet, slightly sticky and perfectly golden brown with no added preservatives! Available in a few varieties, family and friends will enjoy such as Raisin & Sesame, Multigrain and Egg.

"Over the years I've seen how open Canadians are to embracing a variety of diverse cultures and traditions," says Cindy Lee, CEO, T&T® Supermarket. "Since food is an integral part of important heritage and cultural celebrations, Chinese New Year is the perfect time to experience traditional Asian dishes with family and friends."

With the rising popularity of exotic spices and foods from around the world, it's easier than ever to create your very own unique Chinese New Year menu for guests. Adding to the already impressive array of international products sold across Atlantic Superstore® locations, select T&T® brand products are now available, including:

Unique and refreshing, T&T® Aloe Vera Drink is an incredibly popular Asian drink that contains real aloe vera pulp. Best served cold, it has an intense tropical flavour with just the right amount of sweetness. Try serving it to guests using pieces of frozen fruit like mango or pineapple instead of ice cubes.
Treat your guests to a delicately flavoured glass of T&T® Jasmine Green Tea, made with tea leaves from the high mountains of Taiwan and blended with the essence of white jasmine flower. This infused iced tea drink is subtly floral, well-balanced and soothing without being overly sweet. Best served chilled or over ice, it's also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
For a flavourful meal that's sure to impress guests, just add T&T® Korean Kalbi Marinade Sauce. This authentic marinade blends soy sauce, sesame seeds, hints of garlic, ginger and is mellowed by sweet pear, which helps tenderize meat and make it extra-succulent. Although traditionally used on beef ribs this marinade is also delicious on chicken and pork, perfect for fast grilling and easy Asian-style stir-fries.
For a full range of authentic, high-quality Asian products, visit T&T® Supermarket, Canada's largest Asian supermarket chain, or www.tnt-supermarket.com.

About Loblaw Companies Limited TSX:L
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^®and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^®points loyalty program.

Product samples and high-resolution images are available.

or to arrange an interview please contact:

Loblaw Companies Limited
905-459-2500 / pr@loblaw.ca

Kelsey Strickland, Hill Knowlton Strategies
416-413-4788 / kelsey.strickland@hkstrategies.ca

National Sweater Day shows energy conservation cuts emissions

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 10:17:00 -0500

(TORONTO – January 23, 2013) – The simple act of turning down your heat can help reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, new data from WWF-Canada shows.

With WWF’s National Sweater Day, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited, coming up on February 7, Canadians are preparing to put on a sweater and turn down their thermostats to reduce their carbon footprint and show their support for energy conservation. If all Canadians lowered their thermostats by just 2 degrees Celsius this winter, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 4 megatons – equivalent to a shutting down a 600 megawatt coal-fired power station.

To help demonstrate the impact of even one house turning down the heat, WWF has calculated the greenhouse gas emission savings for sample households across Canada.

Location	Emissions from household heating in 2011-2012	Emissions if household temperature reduced by 2 degrees Celsius	Emissions reduction	Percentage emissions reduced
Toronto	2781 kg	2400 kg	381 kg	13.7%
Ottawa	1865 kg	1634 kg	231 kg	12.3%
Winnipeg	2564 kg	2302 kg	262 kg	10.2%

Quotes

“Energy conservation is critical to fighting climate change, along with a switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy. According to WWF’s Energy Report, global energy demand in 2050 must be – and can be – 15 per cent lower than in 2005 for the world to be powered by 100 per cent renewable, sustainable energy, and avoid the worst effects of climate change. National Sweater Day is an important reminder of how simple it can be to reduce energy use, and that we all have a role to play in shrinking our carbon footprint.”

- Josh Laughren, Director, Climate and Energy Program, WWF-Canada

“Loblaw is proud to partner with WWF in presenting National Sweater Day, made possible through partial proceeds from the sale of plastic shopping bags in our stores. More than 650 banner stores across Canada including Loblaws, Zehrs, Provigo, Real Canadian Superstore, Atlantic Superstore and nofrills will be lowering the temperature a few degrees in support of this initiative. We believe championing National Sweater Day is one more way we demonstrate our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.””

- Bob Chant, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communication, Loblaw Companies Limited

Facts

- In 2009, space and water heating accounted for 80 per cent of residential energy consumption in Canada

- Greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas and electricity have gone up by 23.4 and 6.4 per cent, respectively, between 1990 and 2009, despite improved energy efficiency of heating appliances

- In 2012, more than a million Canadians and over 600 Loblaw stores participated in National Sweater Day

For more information about National Sweater Day and how to get involved, please visit sweaterday.com or facebook.com/wwfcanada.

To see the full Energy Report from WWF, please visit www.wwf.ca/energyreport.

About WWF

WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature thrive. www.wwf.ca

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. www.loblaw.ca

For more information, please contact:

Riannon John, WWF-Canada

416-347-1894

rjohn@wwfcanada.org

Loblaw Public Relations Department

905-459-2500

pr@loblaw.ca

ASC-Certified Responsibly Farmed Tilapia Now Available at Loblaw

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 06:59:00 -0500

Move represents another step forward toward Loblaw's goal of 100 per cent sustainable seafood

BRAMPTON, ON, Jan. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - (TSX: L) Seafood lovers can now purchase Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certified PC^® Blue Menu^® Tilapia at select Loblaw Companies (Loblaw) banner stores across Canada. Customers can be assured that with the ASC certification seafood comes from fish farms that are responsibly managed and limit their negative impact on the environment and the community. Loblaw is proud to be the first grocery retailer in North America to introduce ASC-certified product in stores.

The ASC is an independent, not-for-profit organization that aims to be the leading global certification and labeling program for responsibly farmed seafood. The ASC manages the worldwide standards for responsibly farmed seafood and is committed to preserving marine and fresh water habitats while endorsing social standards.

The decision to support the development of the ASC is part of Loblaw's commitment to source 100 per cent of all seafood from sustainable sources by the end of 2013. Loblaw also plans to introduce additional ASC-certified products including basa/pangasius fish and tropical shrimp later this year.

"We saw the need for the creation of a global standard-setting program for farmed seafood and are proud to have been engaged in helping launch the first ASC certified product in stores. We hope that Canadians will agree that we are driving the fish farming industry forward to more responsible methods," says Paul Uys, vice-president, sustainable seafood, Loblaw Companies Limited.

"With a growing demand for responsibly farmed seafood, ASC believes that improving practices within the industry will help ensure it thrives with little to no negative social and environmental impact. The ASC program encourages the use of best practices in aquaculture and recognizes and promotes the sale of farmed fish that has been produced in a responsible manner," said Chris Ninnes, CEO of ASC. "The Aquaculture Stewardship Council applauds Loblaw for the introduction of ASC-certified seafood in their stores."

"Consumers can now choose a tilapia product with less impact on the environment," said Robert Rangeley, vice-president of conservation and Atlantic region, WWF-Canada. "The new ASC-certified farmed tilapia is proof that Loblaw's commitment to find and sell more responsibly and sustainably sourced farmed and wild-caught seafood is helping secure healthier oceans. We look forward to other ASC-certified seafood products, including farmed tropical shrimp, pangasius, and Atlantic salmon, in the future."

PC^® Blue Menu^® Tilapia will be available at select Loblaws^®, Loblaw greatfood^®, Zehrs^®, Zehrs greatfood^™, Fortinos^®, Real Canadian Superstore^®, valu-mart^®, Your Independent Grocer^®, Save Easy^®, Dominion^®, Atlantic Superstore^®, Provigo^®, Maxi & Cie_,®, Maxi^®, and nofrills^®..

About Loblaw Seafood Sustainability Commitment

Loblaw's sustainable seafood commitment is driven by one of its corporate social responsibility principles, source with integrity. In May 2009, Loblaw made a commitment to source all seafood sold in its corporate and franchised locations from sustainable sources by the end of 2013. Affecting more than 50 per cent of in-store departments, this commitment covers all canned, frozen, fresh and wild farmed seafood products, in all categories, across all brands

Additional information about Loblaw's commitment to sustainable seafood can be found at www.oceansfortomorrow.ca and on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/LoblawSustainableSeafood

A commitment to source with integrity is one of five Loblaw corporate social responsibility principles, which also include respect the environment, make a positive difference in our community, reflect our nation's diversity and be a great place to work.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice®, no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial® services and offers the PC® points loyalty program.

Public Relations Department, Loblaw Companies Limited
pr@loblaw.ca or (905) 459-2500

Loblaw Companies Limited Announces Fourth Quarter 2012 Earnings Release

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:00:00 -0500

BRAMPTON, ON, Jan. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L) announced today that it will be releasing its fourth quarter results on February 21, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. (ET).

This release will be followed by a conference call at 11:00 a.m. (ET), as well as an audio webcast. To access via tele-conference please dial (647) 427-7450. The playback will be made available two hours after the event at (416) 849-0833, access code: 85735911. To access via audio webcast please go to the "Investor Centre" section of loblaw.ca. Pre-registration will be available.

About Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice® no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice® financial services and offers the PC® points loyalty program.

Kim Lee
Vice President, Investor Relations
905-459-2500
investor@loblaw.ca

Provigo® partners with the Montreal Canadiens®

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 18:00:00 -0500

Provigo is also proud to be part of the January 17 inter-squad
scrimmage and the January 19 public practice at Bell Centre

Montréal, January 16, 2013 – Provigo, a member of the Loblaw group, and the Montreal Canadiens hockey team proudly announced today that the grocery retailer has become an official team and Bell Centre sponsor.

Under this multi-year agreement, the Provigo banner and the President’s Choice^® brand logos will be alternately displayed on a board located behind a goal net during the team’s home games this season, starting with the first meet on Saturday, January 19, 2013. Provigo will also be a partner of the January 17 inter-squad scrimmage and the January 19 public practice to be held at Bell Centre. Several other promotions for fans and Provigo customers will also be organized over the entire duration of the partnership agreement.

“It is with great pleasure that the Canadiens family welcomes major corporate partner Provigo/Loblaw. The tradition behind our respective organizations is a great strength and will benefit Canadiens fans on many levels,” said Geoff Molson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Club de hockey Canadien.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be the Montreal Canadiens’ latest recruit,” said Pierre Dandoy, Senior Vice-President of Operations for Provigo and Loblaws banner stores in Quebec. “This team holds a special place in the hearts of Quebecers, and Provigo is proud to be associated with this organization, which shares important social involvement and community values, and which has been a great source of pride for several generations.”

The Loblaw group now has a presence in the two biggest arenas in Quebec, as this new partnership with the Montreal Canadiens is in addition to the partnership of the Maxi and Maxi & co. banners with the Remparts de Québec and the Colisée Pepsi.

About Provigo, a member of the Loblaw group

Provigo is a member of the Loblaw group, one of the largest private sector employers in Quebec and Canada’s largest food retailer. Together with its related and affiliated companies, Loblaw employs nearly 30,000 people in Quebec through its 400 corporate, franchised and affiliated stores, operating mostly under the Provigo^®, Maxi^®, Maxi & co.^®, Loblaws^®, Club Entrepôt Provigo^® and Les Entrepôts Presto^® banners. Loblaw also offers Canada’s largest control label program, including the President’s Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the company makes available to consumers President’s Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

– 30 –

For more information, please contact:

Hugues Mousseau

Senior Director, Corporate Affairs and Communication

Provigo, member of the Loblaw group

514-383-8800

pr@loblaw.ca

Calling All Grannies: Convince the Grandkids to Turn Down their Heat and Put On their Sweaters!

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:00:00 -0500

(TORONTO: January 16, 2013) – WWF is calling all grannies, grandmas, abuelas, nonnas, nainais and bubbies to support National Sweater Day on February 7, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw).

A dedicated team of grannies will encourage Canadians to turn down their thermostats and put on a sweater. National Spokesgranny Gladys demonstrates how it’s done in this short video. She’s calling on her fellow grannies to teach their children and grandchildren about the importance of valuing energy.

“Members of the Greatest Generation are natural energy conservers – grannies don’t turn up the heat when it gets chilly, they put on a sweater and a pair of slippers!” said Gladys, National Sweater Day Spokesgranny. “I’m looking for Canada’s greenest grannies to join me in helping our kids and our grandkids to re-learn the lost skill of energy conservation that used to be second nature.”

WWF’s National Sweater Day is designed to remind Canadians to value our energy: it’s a chance to think differently about how we use energy, and how everyone can all play an important role in fighting climate change by using energy wisely, not wastefully. If all Canadians lowered their thermostats by just 2 degrees Celsius this winter, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 4 megatons – the equivalent of shutting down an average sized coal-fired power station.

Interested grannies can visit sweaterday.com or facebook.com/wwfcanada for information on how to audition for WWF’s National Sweater Day popular Granny Call Centre.

And all Canadians can make their grannies proud on February 7, by turning down the heat and putting on their sweaters.

“If you’re afraid you’ll forget, sign up for a reminder call today at sweaterday.com,” said Gladys. “You can even choose what kind of granny you want to call you – and it’s very kind of you to ask, dear, but I can’t call everyone myself, you know. That’s why we need help from grannies across Canada!”

WWF’s National Sweater Day is supported by partial proceeds from Loblaw’s charge-for-plastic shopping bag program.

For more information about National Sweater Day and how to get involved, please visit sweaterday.com or facebook.com/wwfcanada.

About WWF

WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature thrive. www.wwf.ca

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. www.loblaw.ca

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Riannon John, WWF-Canada

416-347-1894

rjohn@wwfcanada.org

Loblaw Public Relations Department

905-459-2500

pr@loblaw.ca

WWF and Loblaw grants help students go green

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 14:00:00 -0500

(TORONTO: January 9, 2013) – What do Purple Martin nesting box installations, electric car conversions, wetland rehabilitations, and bee-keeping have in common? They’re all projects funded by the sixth round of WWF’s Green CommUnity School Grants Program.

WWF and Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) are proud to announce 28 new grant recipients from across Canada. This round of funding provides $100,000 in grants to elementary and secondary schools across Canada, supporting student engagement in green initiatives.

The grants are made possible through partial proceeds from Loblaw’s charge-for-plastic shopping bag program in its stores. The grants are designed to encourage students’ interest in environmental stewardship, as well as to provide a hands-on learning experience in sustainability and greening communities.

This round of grants will provide funding a range of projects, including:

- Creating an outdoor classroom to encourage student awareness of the importance of local, organic produce at Robert Bateman High School in Burlington, Prince Edward Island

- Designing, building and installing nesting boxes for Purple Martins, a local bird population in decline near Bell High School in Nepean, Ontario

- Building an electric car at The Valleys Senior Public School in Mississauga, Ontario

- Exploring solar power and sustainable energy at East Three Elementary School in Inuvik, Northwest Territories

- Rebuilding a school greenhouse at Netsilik School in Taloyoak, Nunavut

- Rehabilitating the marsh near École Des Jolis Prés in Laterrière, Quebec

- Establishing and maintaining a honeybee habitat at Fraser heights Secondary School in Surrey, British Columbia

- Introducing Red Wiggler vermicompost bins at West Wood High School in Fort McMurray, Alberta

Quotes

“We’re very excited about the projects in this round of Green CommUnity School Grants – they show enormous interest in the environment and creativity. The grants provide a great opportunity for students across Canada to become passionate environmental stewards, which we hope will lead to an even better future for our living planet.”

- Christina Topp, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, WWF Canada

“Loblaw is proud to support the Green CommUnity School Grants program for the fourth consecutive year. The support is made possible through partial proceeds from the sale of plastic shopping bags in our stores. These grants are important to schools because they help to educate students about our environment and inspire them to make a positive difference for our planet.”

- Bob Chant, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communication, Loblaw Companies Limited

About WWF’s Green CommUnity School Grants Program

The Green CommUnity School Grants Program will award grants totalling $600,000 to Canadian schools over the course of three years. Any private, public, or independent Canadian elementary or secondary school that is working on a green initiative is eligible to apply for grants up to $5,000. Find out more at www.wwf.ca/greencommunitygrants.

About WWF

WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature thrive. www.wwf.ca

About Loblaw Companies Limited

For further information:

Riannon John

WWF-Canada

416-347-1894

rjohn@wwfcanada.org

Loblaw Public Relations Department

905-459-2500

pr@loblaw.ca

PRODUCT RECALL: BUTCHER'S CHOICE BEEF BURGERS

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:15:00 -0500

At Loblaw Companies, the health and safety of our customers is paramount to us and we are committed to providing our customers with a clean and safe store environment and offering products that are produced, sourced and handled responsibly. Loblaw and all of our corporate and franchise stores follow the federal regulations set and enforced by Health Canada and Canadian Food Inspection Agency. We immediately put into place our rapid response protocol upon receiving recall notices from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Our stores have removed from sale all potentially implicated products from Butcher’s Choice as listed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

For a list of the implicated products, please visit the CFIA website: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/recarapp/2012/20121214e.shtml

If customers have concerns with a product they have purchased, we welcome them to return it to the store of purchase. Our standard refund policy will apply. We apologize for any concern this recall may have caused.

Loblaw Companies Limited Files Preliminary Base Shelf Prospectus

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:52:00 -0500

BRAMPTON, ON, Dec. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L) announced today that it has filed a preliminary base shelf prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces of Canada. This filing enables Loblaw Companies Limited to offer up to $1 billion of debentures and preferred shares from time to time over a 25-month period after the shelf prospectus becomes final. Any issue of securities under the shelf prospectus will require the filing of a prospectus supplement that will include the specific terms of the securities being offered. The shelf prospectus was filed to provide Loblaw Companies Limited with financial flexibility and efficient access to Canadian capital markets.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

About Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^® no name^®, and Joe Fresh ^® brands. In addition, Loblaw makes available to consumers President's Choice^® financial services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

Kim Lee
Vice President, Investor Relations
905-459-2500
investor@loblaw.ca

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 - OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM LOBLAW COMPANIES REGARDING MEETING WITH MS. HOUSE AND MR. DELANEY

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:15:00 -0500

Mr. Weston spent an hour discussing the matter with Ms. House and Mr. Delaney, in the presence of their legal counsel.

We acknowledge that mistakes were made. However in the overall context, these were outweighed by the significant effort made by colleagues to support the sale of YoPro in hundreds of the Company’s stores in Ontario and Quebec for more than a year. Unfortunately for both parties, the product simply didn't sell well.

YoPro’s claim that we misappropriated the recipe or process for the manufacturing of their product is completely without merit. The manufacturer of Loblaw's PC Greek yogurt is using the same process to make bars for the Company that it has used since the late 1990's - years before YoPro was introduced to Loblaw. The recipe itself was inspired by a House and Home magazine article published in 2010.

Loblaw Companies remains committed to operating at the highest ethical standards and believes it has acted appropriately in this circumstance. Having said all of that we remain hopeful that this matter can be resolved without going to court.

Contact:

Julija Hunter, Vice-President, Public Relations

Loblaw Companies Limited

905-459-2500/Julija.hunter@loblaw.ca

Loblaw Launches Line of President's Choice® Gluten-Free Foods, Certified by the Canadian Celiac Association's Gluten-Free Certification Program

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 10:35:00 -0500

Available in the bakery department at select Loblaw banner stores across the country

BRAMPTON, ON, Dec. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - TSX: L Loblaw Companies Limited has launched eight delicious President's® Choice gluten-free products, fully certified by the Canadian Celiac Association's Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP). From cookies and brownies to muffins and more, these President's Choice® products are a worry free way for Canadians with celiac disease or on a gluten-free diet to enjoy great tasting foods made with wholesome ingredients.

President's Choice® gluten-free products are the first private label line in Canada which have met the requirements for certification and are eligible to display the Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP) trademark of the Canadian Celiac Association. The GFCP stands for the independent verification of quality, integrity and purity of products.

"The Canadian Celiac Association believes that all Canadians have the right to safe food and we have developed the Gluten-Free Certification Program to meet these special needs" states Peter Taylor, executive director of the Canadian Celiac Association. "The CCA advocates on behalf of approximately 2,000,000 Canadians suffering from celiac disease and gluten sensitivity who are frustrated by the uncertainty of identifying gluten-free products that are essential for their well-being."

Priced at $5.99, the PC® Gluten-Free line can be found in the bakery of select Loblaw banner grocery stores in Ontario at Loblaws®, Loblaw great food™, Fortinos®, Zehrs Markets®, Zehrs Great Food™, Your Independent Grocer®, valu-mart®, and Real Canadian Superstore®.

"The number of Canadians diagnosed with Celiac disease, experiencing sensitivities to gluten, or choosing to follow a gluten-free diet is increasing and we are pleased to be able to offer President's Choice® gluten free products certified by the trusted GFCP trademark," said Ian Gordon, senior vice-president, Loblaw Brands, Loblaw Companies Limited.

President's Choice^® gluten-free goods:

President's Choice® Gluten-Free Mini Brownies: Everything a brownie should be: soft, chewy and deliciously moist!

President's Choice® Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins: Soft and tempting muffins made with tender, juicy blueberries.

President's Choice® Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Muffins: Moist and rich chocolate muffins made with real chocolate chips.

President's Choice® Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Cake: A soft, moist loaf cake loaded with poppy seeds and bursting with natural lemon flavor.

President's Choice® Gluten-Free Banana Loaf Cake: A soft and delicious loaf cake made with real banana purée.

President's Choice® Gluten-Free Coconut Cookies: Moist and delicious coconut cookies made with brown sugar, molasses and a hint of vanilla.

President's Choice® Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies: Delectably soft cookies loaded with rich chocolate chips.

President's Choice® Gluten-Free Sliced White Sandwich Loaf: A wholesome and flavourful white loaf, excellent as toast.

Learn more at www.pc.ca or follow us on Twitter (@preschoice) and Facebook (President'sChoice).

About Loblaw Companies Limited TSX:L
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice®, no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial® services and offers the PC® points loyalty program.

High-resolution images are available.

or to arrange an interview please contact:

Loblaw Companies Limited
905-459-2500/pr@loblaw.ca

Loblaw to Create One of the Largest Real Estate Investment Trusts in Canada

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 07:00:00 -0500

BRAMPTON, ON, Dec. 6, 2012 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L) ("Loblaw" or the "Company") today announced its intention to create a Real Estate Investment Trust ("REIT") to acquire a significant portion of Loblaw's real estate assets and to sell units of the REIT by way of an Initial Public Offering ("IPO"). Loblaw estimates that it will initially contribute real estate with a current market value exceeding $7 billion to the REIT and intends to retain a significant majority interest. The IPO is expected to be completed in mid-2013, subject to prevailing market conditions and receipt of required regulatory approvals including approval to list the units on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Highlights:

Unlock value for Loblaw shareholders
Create a standalone real estate-focused vehicle to maximize the value of the Company's real estate portfolio
Lower the cost of capital for real estate and accelerated store development projects

"The creation of the REIT is expected to build long-term value both for Loblaw and the REIT," said Galen G. Weston , Executive Chairman, Loblaw Companies Limited. "This strategic initiative positions Loblaw's core businesses well for the future. We expect the REIT to not only unlock value for our shareholders, but also increase our financial capacity to pay-down debt, buy back shares, and create a long-term source of capital to invest and grow.

"The REIT - which we expect to be one of Canada's largest - builds on our longstanding commitment to owning and developing quality real estate," continued Mr. Weston. "It will be a vehicle to manage and enhance our real estate portfolio with the potential for future expansion through incremental vending in of our own real estate and external investment opportunities."

Loblaw's real estate portfolio spans an estimated 47 million square feet and has a current estimated market value of $9 billion to $10 billion. As part of the transaction, Loblaw intends to contribute approximately 35 million square feet to the REIT, and will enter into long-term lease arrangements with the REIT on those properties. The contributed real estate portfolio will be largely retail focused and comprise a geographically diverse mix of stores and shopping centres, and will also include warehouses and office buildings.

Loblaw expects that as a standalone entity, the REIT will benefit from a lower cost of capital, which will support its development and expansion. Growth will also come from Loblaw's contribution of additional properties over time as well as opportunities outside of the Loblaw footprint. The REIT will have a dedicated management team focused on overseeing the contributed properties and growing the portfolio, while Loblaw will provide support and various services.

Loblaw expects to consolidate the REIT's financial results for financial reporting purposes and believes the Company's consolidated profitability will be minimally impacted. The contemplated transaction is not expected to affect Loblaw's investment grade credit rating.

The company will host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. (ET), as well as an audio webcast. To access via tele-conference please dial (647) 427-7450. The playback will be made available two hours after the event at (416) 849-0833, access code: 78891090. To access via audio webcast please go to the "Investor Centre" section of loblaw.ca. Pre-registration will be available.

Forward-Looking Statements

This News Release contains forward-looking statements about the Company's objectives, plans, goals, aspirations, intentions, strategies, prospects and opportunities. Forward-looking statements in this News Release include statements relating to the proposed REIT transaction and expected future attributes of the REIT following the transaction; the anticipated benefits of the transaction to Loblaw and its shareholders; the expected ratings impact to Loblaw; Loblaw's expected ownership level in the REIT; the timing of the potential transactions; and that applicable regulatory approvals will be obtained. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect the Company's current expectations concerning future plans, actions and results. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual plans, actions and results to differ materially from current expectations including, but not limited to, unanticipated developments that may delay or negatively impact the proposed transaction, changes in economic and market conditions, and other risks and uncertainties discussed in the Company's materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time, including the Enterprise Risks and Risk Management section of the Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") and the MD&A included in the Company's 2011 Annual Report - Financial Review. There can be no assurance that the proposed transaction will be completed as anticipated or at all. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's expectations only as of the date of this News Release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

About Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice®, no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial® services and offers the PC® points loyalty program.

Kim Lee
Vice President, Investor Relations
905-459-2500
investor@loblaw.ca

Time-lapse video of President’s Choice® Giant Holiday Gingerbread House build at Loblaws® store at Maple Leaf Gardens*

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 15:07:00 -0500

TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - An amazing, life-sized President's Choice® Giant Holiday Gingerbread House came to life last week at the Loblaws® store at Maple Leaf Gardens*. Santa and his elves will be in the house, which is decorated with 1,000 tiles of real gingerbread and more than 700 pounds of candy, every weekend until the holidays.

*Reg'd TM. Lic'd use.

Lisa Power, rock-it promotions, inc., at lisa@rockitpromo.com or 416.629.7638
Ashley Ballantyne, rock-it promotions, inc., at ashleyb@rockitpromo.com or 416.656.0707 ext. 111
Loblaw Companies Limited Public Relations, at pr@loblaw.ca or 905.459.2500

President's Choice ® black label collection of fine foods features new delights just in time for the holiday season

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 05:59:00 -0500

BRAMPTON, ON, Dec. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - TSX: L - Just in time for the holiday season, the PC® black label collection of exceptional fine foods now has new delectable delights, available at select Loblaw Companies banners stores across Atlantic Canada, like Atlantic Superstore®, Dominion® and SaveEasy®.

The collection features a range of outstanding foods all made with a rich artisanal provenance and amazing flavours. From confectionary items, spreads, dressings, marinades, pastas, sauces, oils and vinegars, aromatic spice blends, to baked goods, baking ingredients and more, the foods within the PC® black label collection were inspired by the most exquisite tastes from Canada and around the world.

"Enjoying foods from the PC® black label collection is like having a stress-free culinary adventure - one that will inspire and excite taste buds and all without paying specialty store prices," says Ian Gordon, senior vice-president, Loblaw Brands, Loblaw Companies Limited.

Be sure to visit pc.ca/blacklabel for great recipe ideas, or talk to us on Facebook or Twitter (@preschoice, #PCblacklabel)

While we know PC® black label Bacon Marmalade and our collection of regional jams are fan favourites, here are a few we think you should add to your foodie repertoire!

Inspired ingredients, sultry combinations and artisanal methods - wow your guests this holiday season

PC^®black label Cherry Shiraz Wine Jelly: With its balanced acidity, our ruby red wine jelly is equally at home in both savoury and sweet recipes. It's made with ripe, red cherries and shiraz, a red wine known for its peppery, full bodied flavour with blackberry and plum notes.
PC^®black label Pomegranate Lemonade Sparkling Soda is an exotic blend, imported from France, of tart lemon in a naturally flavoured and perfectly sweetened beverage. This lightly bubbly refresher is made with water from the French Vosges Sandstone and is imported from France.
PC^®black label Salted Caramel Ice Cream uses simple ingredients like 100 per cent Canadian cream, sugar and egg yolk for an impossibly velvety ice cream base enhanced with natural, salted buttery caramel flavours.
PC^®black label Chocolate Strawberry Assortment is a luxurious-tasting indulgence perfect for any sweet-tooth. Sweet, dried strawberries are covered in dark chocolate, milk chocolate and strawberry-flavoured chocolate
PC^®black label Fiorelli Pasta is 100 per cent authentic Italian Fiorelli pasta made with durum wheat and natural spring water from the Italian Alps. The dough is pressed through bronze dies into a wavy, curly shape that resembles flower buds. It's then air-dried for a rustic, rough texture that's ideal for soaking up every drop of sauce.
PC^®black label Vodka Pasta Sauce is made with hand-harvested sweet Italian tomatoes, olive oil and both Italian Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. The distinct splash of vodka truly adds unique flavour and character to this traditional and renowned sauce.

Grocery stores in Atlantic Canada that feature President's Choice® brands include: Atlantic Superstore®, Dominion® (in Newfoundland and Labrador), SaveEasy® and nofrills®.

About Loblaw Companies Limited TSX:L
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^®and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^®points loyalty program.

or to arrange an interview please contact:

Loblaw Companies Limited
905-459-2500/pr@loblaw.ca

Margaret Poole, Poole Communications
902-443-1410/poolecom@ns.sympatico.ca

CAMERA CALL: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30 - Loblaws® store at Maple Leaf Gardens* to mark its first anniversary with Food's Greatest Celebration™

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:08:00 -0500

President's Choice^® Giant Holiday Gingerbread House now open for holiday season

TORONTO, Nov. 30, 2012 /CNW/ - Come one! Come all! From Friday, November 30 to Sunday, December 2, the Loblaws^®store at Maple Leaf Gardens* is hosting a fabulous party called Food's Greatest Celebration^TM to mark the store's first anniversary.

What:

Guests will have the chance to win prizes and interact with Loblaws food experts while participating in fun food challenges, like cheese-grating, pizza-making and more. Prizes include festive treats from the store and gift cards to Loblaws and Joe Fresh.
Mark Russell, executive chef at the Loblaws® store at Maple Leaf Gardens*, and his team of chefs will prepare mouth-watering holiday treats and give interactive cooking demonstrations.
The store is bringing back some of its best musical acts of the year to entertain guests all weekend: Marty Oakes Trio on Friday, November 30 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.); Ryan Oliver Jazz Duo, Saturday, December 1 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.); and the Mary Mac Duo on Sunday, December 2 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

When:

A Pizza Making Challenge will take place Friday, November 30 at noon. Cameras are invited to arrive for 11:45 a.m. to set up.

Additional anniversary celebration activities (November 30 to December 2):

Kids with a flair for food are invited to have Breakfast with Santa, when a special PC Cooking School class takes place December 2 from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. On the menu are yummy treats like pancakes, syrup, biscuits with jam toppings, orange juice and lots of fun! Breakfast with Santa is open to all ages and costs $10 per person. Register here.
A magical and amazing President's Choice^® Giant Holiday Gingerbread House will come to life in the Canteen on November 30 as part of the store's first anniversary celebrations.
The President's Choice^® Giant Holiday Gingerbread House will be quite a sight to see, soaring almost to the height of the store's well-known cheese wall and about as long as the popular deli counter.
It will be decorated with 1,000 tiles of gingerbread and more than 700 pounds of colourful candy, including 5,000 mini candy canes, and complete with Christmas trees, festive trimming, surrounded by mounds of snowy white, and warmed up by the glow of a cozy fireplace.
Beginning November 30 and every weekend until the end of the holiday season, Santa and his elves will be on hand to take pictures and to help you decorate your very own gingerbread men cookies. Nibble your creations knowing that all proceeds from purchases of these gingerbread men cookies will be donated to the President's Choice^® Children's Charity.

CAMERAS ARE WELCOME ALL WEEKEND. PLEASE RSVP TO ROCK-IT PROMOTIONS TO SCHEDULE A TIME.

Where:
Loblaws^® store at Maple Leaf Gardens*
60 Carlton St. (Carlton and Church), Toronto

Hours:
Activities will run from November 30 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and December 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Website: http://www.loblaws.ca/60carlton
Twitter: @loblawscarlton, #loblawscarlton1yr
Facebook: Loblaws 60 Carlton

*Reg'd TM. Lic'd use.

For interview requests, please contact:
Lisa Power, rock-it promotions, inc., at lisa@rockitpromo.com or 416.629.7638
Ashley Ballantyne, rock-it promotions, inc., at ashleyb@rockitpromo.com or 416.656.0707 ext. 111
Loblaw Companies Limited Public Relations, at pr@loblaw.ca or 905.459.2500

Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation Receives $20,000 from President's Choice® Children's Charity

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 08:59:00 -0500

Donation underscores the Charity's aim of improving the lives of children

CALGARY, Nov. 30, 2012 /CNW/ - President's Choice^® Children's Charity is pleased to announce a $20,000 donation to the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation. These funds will be used towards improving the collection of resources at the Family and Community Resource Centre Library for Child Health Information Services. The library enables families of children with disabilities or illnesses to secure health information they need to make informed decisions and support their efforts in advocating for their child's health care.

"With this donation to Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation, we hope to reach many more children across Alberta, and give their families much needed resources they need to support them," said Marlin Krieger, member of President's Choice^® Children's Charity Board of Directors and regional vice-president, Western Canada, Loblaw Companies Limited.

Since 2004, President's Choice^® Children's Charity is delighted to have assisted children and families in Alberta and has provided up to $2.67 million in individual grants. Dollars granted were raised by the efforts and generosity of the customers and teams from the Real Canadian Superstore®, Real Canadian Wholesale Club®, Extra Foods®, nofrills® and vendors related to the banner stores and to Loblaw Companies Limited.

President's Choice^® Children's Charity is dedicated to helping children who are physically or developmentally challenged. Families can receive individual grants of up to $20,000 to assist with the costs of equipment, home accessibility, respite care, developmental and physical therapy and accessible vehicles. Families who are interested in receiving direct financial assistance can learn more at www.pc.ca/charity. In 2012, the Charity has granted more than $7.8 million to more than 1,600 children with disabilities across Canada.

About President's Choice^® Children's Charity
President's Choice^® Children's Charity is committed to helping children across Canada, with a focus on children with disabilities and childhood hunger. The cost of administration and operations of the Charity is funded by Loblaw Companies Limited, ensuring that 100 per cent of every dollar donated goes directly to helping kids and their families. The Charity offers funding across Canada and dollars are granted in the region in which they are raised. Since 1989, the Charity has awarded more than $72 million, reaching more than 10,000 families. For more information on the President's Choice^® Children's Charity or to donate online, visit www.pc.ca/charity.

About the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation
The Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation raises funds for excellence in child health, research and family centred care. Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation provides funding for innovative programs, state of the art equipment, advanced medical training and internationally recognized pediatric research.

About Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

President's Choice^®Children's Charity
Loblaw Public Relations on behalf of President's Choice^®Children's Charity
pr@loblaw.ca
(905) 459-2500

CAMERA CALL: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30 - Official lighting of President's Choice® Giant Holiday Gingerbread House at the Loblaws® store at Maple Leaf Gardens*

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 -0500

Store to mark its first anniversary with Food's Greatest Celebration™ Party

TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - Food's Greatest Celebration™ - Kick off the holidays by capturing a magical moment. An amazing President's Choice^® Giant Holiday Gingerbread House will come to life in the Canteen at the Loblaws^® store at Maple Leaf Gardens* on Friday, November 30, at 7:45 a.m. as part of the store's first anniversary celebrations.

What:

The lighting ceremony to officially open the President's Choice^® Giant Holiday Gingerbread House

Soaring to almost the height of the store's well-known cheese wall and covering the Canteen!
Made of real gingerbread!
Covered in twinkling lights, decorated with 1,000 tiles of gingerbread and more than 700 pounds of colourful candy, including 5,000 mini candy canes.
Complete with Christmas trees and festive trimming, surrounded by mounds of white snow, and warmed up by the glow of a cozy fireplace and of course Santa and his elves.

Who:

30 children from the Boys and Girls Club of Toronto who will be decorating gingerbread cookies
Toy Ballerina and Toy Solider dancers, Santa Claus and elves!
Marcello Piane, store director, Loblaws® store at Maple Leaf Gardens*
Gail Nyberg, executive director the Daily Bread Food Bank
The first 400 guests through the doors at 7 a.m. on November 30 will receive a slice of cake with an instant win prize that could be a yummy treat from the store or even one prize for $5,000 worth of Loblaws gift cards.

When:

The official lighting takes place at 7:45 a.m.
Cameras are invited to arrive for 7:30 a.m.
Additional activities run from November 30 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and December 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where:
Loblaws^® store at Maple Leaf Gardens*
60 Carlton St. (Carlton and Church), Toronto - Parking access from Carlton

Additional anniversary celebration activities (November 30 to December 2):

Families can have their photo taken with Santa Claus in the President's Choice^® Giant Holiday Gingerbread House for $5. Santa's elves will be on hand to take pictures and to help guests to decorate their very own gingerbread men cookies for $2 each. All proceeds will support the President's Choice^® Children's Charity.
Mark Russell, executive chef at the Loblaws® store at Maple Leaf Gardens*, and his team of chefs will prepare mouth-watering holiday treats and give interactive cooking demonstrations.
Guests anxious to try their hand at fun foodie activities like cupcake decorating or four course meal plating will have the chance to win prizes and interact with Loblaws specialists while participating in fun food challenges, like cheese-grating, pizza-making and more. Prizes include festive treats from the store and Loblaws and Joe Fresh gift cards.
The store is bringing back some of its best musical acts of the year to entertain guests all weekend: Marty Oakes Trio on Friday, November 30 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.); Ryan Oliver Jazz Duo, Saturday, December 1 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.); and the Mary Mac Duo on Sunday, December 2 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

- Cameras are welcome all day. Please RSVP to rock-it promotions to schedule a time.-

Website:
Twitter:
Facebook:

http://www.loblaws.ca/60carlton
@loblawscarlton, #loblawscarlton1yr
Loblaws 60 Carlton

*Reg'd TM. Lic'd use.

Two New Stand-alone Joe Fresh Stores to Open Spring 2013

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 14:00:00 -0500

Two new Joe Fresh Stores to Open in Ottawa and Victoria as Canadian Expansion Continues

TORONTO, Nov. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - TSX: L - The Joe Fresh brand, providing fresh fashion at fresh prices, announced today the opening of new stores in Ottawa, Ontario and Victoria, British Columbia in spring 2013. These new stand-alone stores will carry Joe Fresh women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, Joe Fresh beauty products and accessories.

"We are happy to announce two new Joe Fresh locations in Canadian cities,” says Joe Mimran, of Joseph Mimran & Associates, Creative Director of the Joe Fresh brand for Loblaw Companies Limited. “We’ve had our eye on Ottawa and Victoria for some time and are very pleased with the locations of each of these new stand-alone stores.”"

The Ottawa stand-alone location is slated to open late February 2013 in the established St Laurent Centre which boasts over 971,000 square feet of the region's best shopping. Joe Fresh, St Laurent, will offer women's and men's apparel, activewear, sleepwear, accessories and Joe Fresh beauty collections as well as clothing and accessories for kids, toddlers and babies. The new, two-storey Victoria stand alone store is slated to open early March 2013 in the region's premiere open-air retail environment, Uptown. Joe Fresh, Uptown, will also offer the full range of women's, men's, kids', toddler and baby apparel and accessories, as well as activewear, intimates, sleepwear and Joe Fresh beauty products.

Both stores will feature the clean, modern design aesthetic established for Joe Fresh stand-alone stores by design firm Burdi Filek.

Location	Square Footage	Scheduled Opening	Assortment
Joe Fresh, St Laurent St Laurent Centre 1200 Saint Laurent Blvd Unit 209 Ottawa, ON K1K 3B8	10,000	Late February 2013	Women's, Men's, Kids', Toddler, Baby, Active, Sleep, Intimates, Footwear, Accessories, Jewellery, Cosmetics, Sunglasses
Joe Fresh, Uptown Uptown 3440 Saanich Road Units 102 & 201 Victoria, BC V8Z 0B9	13,000	Early March 2013	Women's, Men's, Kids', Toddler, Baby, Active, Sleep, Intimates, Footwear, Accessories, Jewellery, Cosmetics, Sunglasses

About Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX:L)

Offering Canadians stylish, fresh and affordable apparel and accessories for all seasons, the Joe Fresh^® brand is one of the top apparel brands in Canada and Loblaw Companies Limited's answer to consumers' desire for accessible, of-the-moment style. Joseph Mimran of Joseph Mimran & Associates, Creative Director Joe Fresh, Home and Entertainment for Loblaw Companies Limited, oversees a line that features hundreds of items, from chic footwear to the latest in outdoor fashions as well as Joe Fresh Beauty^®, an inspired collection of stylish and well-priced cosmetics. The Joe Fresh^® brand is available in more than 300 locations across Canada, including 12 standalone and studio stores, and 6 U.S. locations in New York and New Jersey. Visit JoeFresh.com.

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity - Loblaws® store at Maple Leaf Gardens* Marks First Year with Food's Greatest Celebration™ Party

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 12:45:00 -0500

President's Choice® Giant Holiday Gingerbread House Comes to Life in Store's Canteen!

BRAMPTON, ON, Nov. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Come one! Come all! On Friday, November 30, join us at the Loblaws^®store at Maple Leaf Gardens* as we host a fabulous party called Food's Greatest Celebration^TM to mark the store's one year anniversary.

"We're so proud to be a part of the community and appreciate the warm welcome we have received over the past year. On behalf of my team, I invite our customers and the community to join us next week to enjoy the President's Choice^® Giant Holiday Gingerbread House and take part in the special merriment we have planned," said Marcello Piane, store director, Loblaws^®store at Maple Leaf Gardens*.

Behold the sweetest house in the city!
On Friday, November 30 a magical and amazing President's Choice Giant Holiday Gingerbread House comes to life in the Canteen. The edible house will be quite a sight to see soaring almost to the height of the store's well-known cheese wall and about as long as our popular deli counter. It will be decorated with over 700 pounds of colourful candy, including 5,000 mini candy canes! The house will be complete with Christmas trees, festive trimming, and surrounded by mounds of snowy white and warmed up by the glow of a cozy fireplace.

Ho, Ho, Ho… Santa!
Beginning November 30 and every weekend until the end of the holiday season, Santa will be in the "house" eager to get the scoop on what's on your holiday wish list. His elves will be on hand to take pictures and to help you decorate your very own gingerbread men cookies. Nibble your creations knowing that all proceeds from purchases of these gingerbread men cookies will be donated to the President's Choice^® Children's Charity.

Little elves with a flair for food are invited to have Breakfast with Santa, when a special PC Cooking School class for kids takes place December 2 from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. On the menu are yummy treats like pancakes, syrup, biscuits with jam toppings, orange juice and lots of fun! Breakfast with Santa is open to all ages and costs $10 per person. Register here.

Prizes Galore!
A true celebration wouldn't be complete without a bunch of great prizes and giveaways! That's why the first 400 customers through the doors at 7 a.m. on November 30 will receive a slice of cake with an instant win prize that could be a yummy treat from the store or even one prize for $5,000 worth of Loblaws gift cards.

Customers can also drop off a ballot every day between November 26 and November 30 for a chance to win a prize for $200 or $5000 worth of Loblaws gift cards!**

Party Games
Think you're the best cupcake decorator in town? Want to try your hand at plating a 4-course meal? Win prizes and talk to our specialists while participating in fun food challenges every day between November 30 and December 2. Games include a cheese grating challenge, pizza making, cupcake decorating and tons more! Please visit each department for times and details.

Music to Your Ears...
We're bringing back some of our best musical acts of the year to dazzle and delight all week long! Customers won't want to miss out on the great entertainment:

Kerri Crawford Duo

Monday November 26, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Tim Hamel Duo

Tuesday November 27, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Mary Mac Trio

Wednesday November 28, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sunday December 2nd, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Ryan Oliver Jazz Duo

Thursday November 29, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday December 1, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Marty Oakes Trio

Friday November 30, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Website: http://loblaws.ca/60carlton/
Facebook: Loblaws 60 Carlton
Twitter: @LoblawsCarlton, #loblawscarlton1yr

Just Around the Corner...
The Loblaws^® store located at Queen and Portland in Toronto, will also celebrate its first anniversary on December 2 with lots of activities. The first 100 customers through the door will receive a slice of cake with an instant win prize, including one for $1000 worth of Loblaws gift cards. See in store for details.

About Loblaw Companies Limited:
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

*Reg'd TM. Lic'd use.

**This Loblaws 1 Year Anniversary Gift Card Contest (the "Contest") is run by Kognitive Marketing Inc. (the "Sponsor"). The Contest will be run only at the Loblaws® store at Maple Leaf Gardens* from November 26, 2012 until November 30, 2012 (the "Contest Period"). No purchase necessary. Complete the Contest entry form by including all requested information. Original entries only. Entry forms must be deposited in the Contest entry box located at the Loblaws® store at Maple Leaf Gardens* front entrance, on or before 6:30 pm of the Contest closing date November 30, 2012 (the "Closing Date"). No responsibility will be taken for lost, stolen, misdirected, delayed, destroyed or illegible entry forms. The Contest prize consists of one (1) prize of five thousand dollars ($5000) worth in Loblaws gift cards and five (5) prizes of two hundred dollars ($200) worth in Loblaws gift cards. Total value of all prizes is six thousand dollars ($6000). The Sponsor will make the prize(s) available for pick up by the winner at the Loblaws® store at Maple Leaf Gardens*. The prize must be claimed by the prize winner, with valid photo identification, within 60 days of notification of winning or another winner will be drawn from the remaining eligible entries and the prize awarded to that person. A skill testing question must be answered correctly before prize can be claimed. For full Contest Rules & Regulations, please visit the Loblaws® store at Maple Leaf Gardens* front entrance.

For interview requests, images or additional information, please contact:
Lisa Power, rock-it promotions, inc. at lisa@rockitpromo.com or 416.629.7638
Ashley Ballantyne, rock-it promotions, inc. at ashleyb@rockitpromo.com or 416.656.0707 ext. 111

Thanks Western Canada, President's Choice® Children's Charity raised more than $560,000 during recent campaign

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 09:59:00 -0500

Funding will go to help children with physical and developmental disabilities and to support community nutrition programs aimed at fighting childhood hunger

CALGARY, Nov. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - President's Choice® Children's Charity is proud that its two-week Lay Down A Toonie, Lift Up A Kid™ customer campaign in Western Canada, held at participating Real Canadian Superstore®, Real Canadian Wholesale Club®, Extra Foods® and nofrills® stores raised more than $564,000. One hundred percent of funds raised will go toward supporting families in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta, whose children have physical or developmental disabilities, as well as nutrition programs aimed at fighting childhood hunger.

"We sincerely appreciate the generosity of our customers and colleagues across Western Canada," Marlin Krieger, member of President's Choice^® Children's Charity Board of Directors and regional vice-president, Western Canada, Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw). "By raising over $564,000 in just two weeks, Western Canadians confirmed that they share our commitment to helping children across our region."

The Lay Down A Toonie, Lift Up A Kid™ customer campaign is just one of many initiatives that Loblaw and its banners use to raise funds for the President's Choice^® Children's Charity. To date in 2012, thanks to the generosity of customers, donors and the support of vast network of employees, the President's Choice^® Children's Charity awarded a total of more than $1.6 million to some 304 families across Western Canada and another $963,000 to Western Canada nutrition programs.

"President's Choice® Children's Charity is committed to helping kids across Canada live to their fullest potential," said Peggy Hornell, executive director, President's Choice® Children's Charity. "Through our grants for disability and donations to nutrition programs, we want to help as many children as possible - ultimately having a positive impact on the next generation of Canadians."

Loblaw created President's Choice^® Children's Charity to empower its store colleagues and its franchisees and their employees to assist families in communities that Loblaw is a part of. In 2011, President's Choice^® Children's Charity proudly granted more than $13.3 million nationally, supporting more than 4,000 nutrition programs and providing grants to more than 1,800 families whose children have physical or developmental disabilities.

Real Canadian Superstore®, Real Canadian Wholesale Club®, Extra Foods® and nofrills® are corporate and franchise banner stores of Loblaw.. Fundraising initiatives in support of President's Choice^® Children's Charity are just one example of how the company continues to be active in communities on a national, regional and local level.

For more information about President's Choice^® Children's Charity and to apply for a grant, please visit www.pc.ca/charity or call 1-800-361-1168.

About President's Choice^® Children's Charity
President's Choice^® Children's Charity is committed to helping children across Canada, with a focus on children with disabilities and on childhood nutrition. The Charity's cost of administration and operations is funded by Loblaw Companies Limited, ensuring that 100 per cent of every dollar donated goes to helping children. The Charity offers funding across Canada, and grants are awarded in the region in which they are raised. Since 1989, the Charity has awarded more than $72 million, reaching more than 10,000 families and 4,000 nutrition programs. For more information on President's Choice^® Children's Charity or to donate online, visit www.pc.ca/charity.

About Loblaw Companies Limited TSX:L
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^®and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^®points loyalty program.

Or to schedule an interview:

Loblaw Public Relations on behalf of President's Choice^®Children's Charity
pr@loblaw.ca
(905) 459-2500

Thanks Ontario, President's Choice® Children's Charity raised more than $900,000 during recent campaign

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 06:59:00 -0500

Funding will go to help children with physical and developmental disabilities and to support community nutrition programs aimed at fighting childhood hunger

BRAMPTON, ON, Nov. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - President's Choice® Children's Charity is proud that its two-week Lay Down A Toonie, Lift Up A Kid™ customer campaign in Ontario, held at participating Loblaws^®, Zehrs^®, Your Independent Grocer^TM, valu-mart^®, Fortinos^®, Real Canadian Superstore^®, Real Canadian Wholesale Club^®and nofrills® stores, raised more than $900,000. One hundred per cent of funds raised will go toward supporting Ontario families whose children have physical or development disabilities, as well as nutrition programs aimed at fighting childhood hunger.

"We sincerely appreciate the generosity of our customers and colleagues across Ontario," said Inge van den Berg, member of President's Choice^® Children's Charity Board of Directors and senior vice-president, Corporate Strategy, Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw). "By raising over $900,000 in just two weeks, Ontarioans confirmed that they share our commitment to helping children in Ontario."

The Lay Down A Toonie, Lift Up A Kid™ customer campaign is just one of many initiatives that Loblaw and its banners have in place to raise funds for the President's Choice^® Children's Charity. To date in 2012, thanks to the generosity of customers, donors and the support of a vast network of employees, the President's Choice^® Children's Charity awarded a total of more than $4.3 million to some 803 families across Ontario and another $1 million to 919 nutrition programs that serve over 178,000 students.

In Ontario, Loblaws^®, Zehrs^®, Your Independent Grocer^®, valu-mart^®, Fortinos^®, Real Canadian Superstore^®, Real Canadian Wholesale Club^®and nofrills® stores are corporate and franchise banner stores of Loblaw Companies Limited. Fundraising initiatives in support of President's Choice^® Children's Charity are just one example of how the Company and its banners continues to be active in communities on a national, regional and local level.

For more information about President's Choice^® Children's Charity and to apply for a grant, please visit www.pc.ca/charity or call 1-800-361-1168.

About President's Choice^® Children's Charity
President's Choice^® Children's Charity is committed to helping children across Canada, with a focus on children with disabilities and on childhood nutrition. The Charity's cost of administration and operations is funded by Loblaw Companies Limited, ensuring that 100 per cent of every dollar donated goes to helping children. The Charity offers funding across Canada, and grants are awarded in the region in which they are raised. Since 1989, the Charity has awarded more than $72 million, reaching more than 10,000 families and 4,000 nutrition programs. For more information on President's Choice^® Children's Charity or to donate online, visit www.pc.ca/charity.

About Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than135,000full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's ChoiceFinancial^® services and offers the PC^®points loyalty program.

Or to schedule an interview:

Loblaw Public Relations on behalf of President's Choice^®Children's Charity
pr@loblaw.ca
(905) 459-2500

Thanks Atlantic Canada! President's Choice® Children's Charity raised more than $320,000 during recent campaign

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 05:59:00 -0500

Funding will go to help children with physical and developmental disabilities and to support community nutrition programs aimed at fighting childhood hunger

HALIFAX, Nov. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - President's Choice^® Children's Charity is proud that its two-week Lay Down A Toonie, Lift Up A Kid™ customer campaign across Atlantic Canada, held at participating Atlantic Superstore®, nofrills®, Cash & Carry, Dominion® (in Newfoundland and Labrador), and SaveEasy® stores, raised more than $320,000. One hundred per cent of funds raised will go toward supporting families in Atlantic Canada whose children have physical or developmental disabilities, as well as nutrition programs aimed at fighting childhood hunger.

"We sincerely appreciate the generosity of our customers and colleagues in the entire region," said Colin Nicolle, board member of President's Choice® Children's Charity and vice-president, Pricing and Promotions, Atlantic Canada, Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw). "By raising over $320,000 in just two weeks, Atlantic Canadians confirmed that they share our commitment to helping children in every province in our region."

The Lay Down A Toonie, Lift Up A Kid™ customer campaign is just one of many initiatives that Loblaw Companies and its banners have in place to raise funds for the President's Choice^® Children's Charity. To date in 2012, thanks to the generosity of customers, donors and the support of a vast network of employees, the President's Choice^® Children's Charity granted/donated a total of more than $688,000 to 139 families across the region and another $866,000 to nutrition programs in all four provinces.

In Atlantic Canada, Loblaw corporate and franchise banner stores include Atlantic Superstore®, nofrills®, Cash & Carry, Dominion® (in Newfoundland and Labrador) and SaveEasy® Fundraising initiatives in support of President's Choice^® Children's Charity are just one example of how the Company and its banners continue to be active in communities on a national, regional and local level.

For more information about President's Choice^® Children's Charity and to apply for a grant, please visit www.pc.ca/charity or call 1-800-361-1168.

About President's Choice^® Children's Charity
President's Choice^® Children's Charity is committed to helping children across Canada, with a focus on children with disabilities and on childhood nutrition. The Charity's cost of administration and operations is funded by Loblaw Companies Limited, ensuring that 100 per cent of every dollar donated goes to helping children. The Charity offers funding across Canada, and grants are awarded in the region in which they are raised. Since 1989, the Charity has awarded more than $72 million, reaching more than 10,000 families and 4,000 nutrition programs. For more information on President's Choice^® Children's Charity or to donate online, visit www.pc.ca/charity.

About Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^®points loyalty program.

Or to schedule an interview:

Loblaw Public Relations on behalf of President's Choice^®Children's Charity
pr@loblaw.ca
(905) 459-2500

Mark Boudreau
Director of Corporate Affairs - Atlantic
(902) 468-5522 (ext. 4063) or cellular - (902) 802-8687
mark.boudreau@loblaw.ca

Donations during the holiday season critical to help local food banks fight hunger

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 10:00:00 -0500

2012 Extra Helping™ Holiday Food Drive supports local food banks across Alberta

CALGARY, Nov. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - While hunger is a year round reality for many families, the holidays can bring added pressure to ensure cupboards are not bare. Alberta food banks assist an average of 53,512 individuals each month, 44 per cent of whom are children. To respond to this need, Real Canadian Superstore^®, No Frills^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ are holding the Extra Helping™ Holiday Food Drive from November 23 to December 13, and are encouraging local residents to help by donating food or funds.

"This is a critical time of year to reach out for donations, as the enhanced generosity inspired by the holiday season can significantly help to stock our shelves," says Jessi Evanoff with the Alberta Food Bank Network Association. "Adding just one item into the food donation bin at the local grocery store will help to fight hunger and feed local families in our community."

To help, simply purchase or bring nutritious, non-perishable food items and drop them into the in-store Extra Helping™ donation bins, or make a cash donation at check-out. To help customers quickly and easily identify the food bank's most needed items while they shop, Real Canadian Superstore^®, No Frills^®, Extra Foods^®, and Wholesale Club™ stores will have the Extra Helping™ logo featured on shelves in a variety of aisles.

In 2012, with the generosity and support of their customers, Loblaw grocery stores like Real Canadian Superstore^® and Extra Foods^® have raised $627,000 in funds and 647,000 pounds of food for food banks across Canada and are hoping to raise a grand total of $1.2 million and 1.2 million pounds of food by year end.

To make it even easier for customers to donate, participating Loblaw banner stores like Real Canadian Superstore^® and Extra Foods^® will sell a specially designed $5 PC^®Blue Menu^® Deluxe Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Dinner. When customers purchase the $5 box, they are donating 4 food items, and a $1 cash donation. Customers can donate knowing that their $5 will purchase healthy food items for Canadian families in need. All they need to do is pick up the box while grocery shopping, pay for it when they check out and drop it in the Extra Helping™ donation bin on their way out.

Since 2008, Loblaw Companies Limited has made an annual corporate donation to Food Banks Canada to support their National Food Sharing Program. To date, donations total $1.125 million, including a $250,000 donation in 2012. And, while Loblaw grocery stores have always supported local food banks, since the launch of the twice annual approach of the Extra Helping™ Food Drive campaign, Loblaw grocery stores have raised over $4.2 million and over 4.6 million pounds of food to support local food banks between 2009 and year to date.

"We are committed to helping fight hunger in all communities across Canada," says Peggy Hornell, Senior Director, Community Investment, Loblaw Companies Limited. "If every customer can make even a small food or cash donation - a box of the Extra Helping™ PC^®Blue Menu^® Deluxe Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Dinner, a can of soup, bag of pasta or container of baby formula - it will make a big difference for those in need."

In Alberta, the most needed, non-perishable items include canned soups, canned vegetables, canned fruits, canned meat, pastas or pasta sauces, and peanut butter according to the Alberta Food Bank Network Association.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca

Jessi Evanoff
Coordinator, Alberta Food Bank Network Association
(780) 459-4598
contact@afbna.ca
www.afbna.ca

Donations during the holiday season critical to help local food banks fight hunger

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 12:17:00 -0500

2012 Extra Helping™ Holiday Food Drive supports local food banks across Ontario

TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - While hunger is a year round reality for many families, the holidays can bring added pressure to ensure cupboards are not bare. Ontario food banks assist an average of 412,900 individuals each month, 40 per cent of whom are children. To respond to this need, Loblaw grocery stores are holding the Extra Helping™ Holiday Food Drive from November 23 to December 13, and are encouraging local residents to help by donating food or funds.

"This is an important time of year to reach out for donations, as the incredible generosity inspired by the holiday season can significantly help to stock our shelves," says Bill Laidlaw, Executive Director at the Ontario Association of Food Banks. "Adding just one item into the food donation bin at the local grocery store will help to fight hunger and feed local families in our community."

To help, simply purchase or bring nutritious, non-perishable food items and drop them into the in-store Extra Helping™ donation bins, or make a cash donation at check-out. To help customers quickly and easily identify the food bank's most needed items while they shop, Loblaw grocery stores will have the Extra Helping™ logo featured on shelves in a variety of aisles.

In 2012, with the generosity and support of their customers, Loblaw grocery stores like Loblaws^®, Zehrs Markets^®, No Frills^® and Real Canadian Superstore^® have raised $627,000 in funds and 647,000 pounds of food for food banks across Canada and are hoping to raise a grand total of $1.2 million and 1.2 million pounds of food by year end.

To make it even easier for customers to donate, participating Loblaw banner stores like Loblaws^®, Zehrs Markets^®, and Real Canadian Superstore^® will sell a specially designed $5 PC^®Blue Menu^® Deluxe Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Dinner. When customers purchase the $5 box, they are donating 4 food items, and a $1 cash donation. Customers can donate knowing that their $5 will purchase healthy food items for Canadian families in need. All they need to do is pick up the box while grocery shopping, pay for it when they check out and drop it in the Extra Helping™ donation bin on their way out.

In Ontario, the most needed, non-perishable items include: peanut butter, baby formula & food, canned fish & meat, macaroni and cheese, cans of soup or stew, beans & lentils, canned fruits & vegetables, rice, and canned or powdered milk, according to the Ontario Association of Food Banks.

Ontario grocery shoppers are encouraged to purchase or bring in non-perishable food items or make a cash donation next time they visit their local Loblaws^®, Loblaw great food™, Fortinos^®, Zehrs Markets^®, Zehrs Great Food™, Your Independent Grocer^®, valu-mart^®, No Frills^® and Real Canadian Superstore^®

About Ontario Association of Food Banks

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points loyalty program.

Loblaw Public Relations Department
(905) 459-2500 or pr@loblaw.ca

Bill Laidlaw
Executive Director
Ontario Association of Food Banks
416-656-4100, bill@oafb.ca

Amanda King
Associate Manager, Communications
Ontario Association of Food Banks
416-656-4100 x2932, amanda@oafb.ca