The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is hoping for another successful year as they anticipate this year’s summer Grow Projects across Canada.  Communications Officer, Amanda Thorsteinsson says the Foodgrains Bank was formed in direct response to the famine in Ethiopia some 30 years ago. However, now they do a variety of work there, including responding to different emergency situations.

Currently, they are responding to 3 projects in Ethiopia, including the El Niño drought that is happening right now. “But a lot of what we do,” says Thorsteinsson, “Is helping small- scale farmers (who own 1 ½ to 3 acres of land) in Ethiopia, adapt to changing weather conditions and learn to grow enough food to feed their families for the entire year.”

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank was founded in 1983 and is a partnership of 15 church and church-based agencies working together to end global hunger.  Approximately 40 countries are being helped by the organization through relief aid, agricultural projects, training and nutrition programs, education and advocacy.

Presently there are approximately 250 growing projects across Canada.  Last year 5,750 acres of Manitoba land was devoted to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank Grow Projects, where Manitoba boasted between 35-40 projects. The annual growing projects contribute approximately half of the donations received by the Foodgrains Bank.  

Each year, the Canadian government provides them with $25 million in matching financial support.  Thorsteinsson says projects are decided on by a Project Officer, to which the Canadian Government may match up to 4 to 1.

Thorsteinsson says the Foodgrains Bank is overwhelming grateful for the support they get from Canadians, especially from rural Canada. “The way that growing projects come together as a community, to show love to their neighbours overseas, is incredible to see and we are very grateful for the that kind of support.”

For more information on local Growing Projects and how you can get involved, visit foodgrainsbank.ca