On Monday, the federal government announced renewed funding for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB). Minister of Natural Resources James Carr made the announcement at Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg on behalf of Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie.

Canada will be providing $125 million over five years to support CFGB's work in providing food to affected communities during conflicts of natural disasters. Food assistance is provided, often through either a food basket or food vouchers.

"The Canadian Foodgrains Bank and its wide array of supporters highlight the generosity of Canadians in helping people in need," said Bibeau. "Our partnership with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank will help ensure that the most vulnerable populations can receive the food and nutritional support they need in times of crises."

The funding will also support targeted nutritional interventions, such as specialized nutritional foods for pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as young children.

"We deeply appreciate this long-standing funding partnership with the Canadian government," said Jim Cornelius, Executive Director of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. "It enables our member agencies and their partners to effectively respond to food crises around the world in a timely manner. We are able to combine this government funding with our donor-matching dollars, much of which comes from Canadian farmers and rural communities, to help women and men recover from crises and build and strengthen their livelihoods."

Funds from the annual $25 million Canadian government grant are available on a 4:1 matching basis for food assistance and nutrition programs.

Last year, the CFGB reached over 1 million people in 40 different countries, including South Sudan, Ethiopia and Syria. Global Affairs Canada has been supporting the CFGB since 1983.

Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a partnership of 15 Canadian churches and church-based agencies working together to end global hunger.