On January 31st, Sobeys stores across the country eliminated plastic grocery bags at their checkouts making them the first major grocery chain to take this huge step towards helping our environment. At Sobeys Barrhaven, the response has been “overwhelmingly positive” says franchisee Chris Kimball. Through this new initiative, nationally 225 millions plastic shopping bags will be taken out of circulation, and ultimately out of our landfills. This commitment aims at curbing future use of plastics at Sobeys stores, and is just the first step towards removing all avoidable plastics in their stores. Kimball is proud to work for a company that has become a true leader in taking this step, and being the first to do it.
For some shoppers this will certainly be a change, but Sobeys has a variety of options available to make the transition as smooth as possible. Reusable bags come in a variety of sizes, styles, and price points, making it easy for shoppers to find a solution to fit their needs and budget. Paper bags (a far more environmentally friendly option compared to plastic) are also still available. Looking throughout the store, you will also find additional opportunities to reduce your environmental footprint with reusable mesh bags available to purchase for produce and an ongoing effort to use materials that decrease packaging weight and increase recyclability of Sobeys brand products.
Sobeys Barrhaven has the feeling of a community grocery store. There is a sense of familiarity there because many employees have been there for years. It’s not too big and not too small, allowing for a great variety of products without being overwhelming which many customers appreciate. While Sobeys has been in our community for years, Chris Kimball came to this location in August of 2013 but his journey with Sobeys began years before. In 2002, he started as a bag boy at Sobeys in Peterborough to pay for college and has worked his way up from there. When he started, it wasn’t his intention to stay but he liked the company and was good at it. Opportunity to move up brought him to Ottawa and eventually to his own store here in Barrhaven. Community is a central focus for Kimball and Sobeys Barrhaven is proud to sponsor and participate in a variety of fundraising initiatives throughout the year, including sponsorship of the Barrhaven Legion Golf Tournament, school breakfast programs, Canada Day, and Santa Claus Breakfast along with fundraising for the QCH for their ACE and Mental Health units.
If you have never been, consider stopping by Sobeys for all your grocery needs; just remember to bring your reusable shopping bags!