Federal government renews $100M grant for Canadian Foodgrains Bank

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is welcoming the renewal of a $100-million federal grant to provide emergency food assistance.

The funding echoes a previous agreement between the organization and Global Affairs Canada. The deal, which has stood since 1985, matches donations made from Canadians four to one, up to $25 million annually. The new agreement runs until 2028.

“We are very appreciative of the longstanding partnership we have with the Government of Canada and for the renewal of this funding,” said Andy Harrington, executive director of the foodgrains bank.“It will help provide urgent assistance to many people around the world experiencing critical levels of hunger because of conflicts, natural disasters, climate impacts, and other humanitarian emergency crises.

“This funding, along with the consistent support we receive from Canadian donors, enables us to move quickly and effectively in times of crisis.”

The bank is a partnership of 15 churches and church agencies with a mandate to raise funds for global efforts to reduce hunger.

Over the course of the last agreement with the federal government, which ended this year, money went to emergency food assistance in 19 countries, including Somalia, Lebanon and Haiti.

In a Sept. 12 news release, the non-profit said that grant funds this year will contribute to programs in Syria, South Sudan, Afghanistan and Haiti.

“In a time when conflict, climate emergencies, natural disasters, and economic disruptions are leading to increased frequency and intensity of humanitarian crises, Canadian Foodgrains Bank and its 15 member agencies are grateful to receive $100 million from the Canadian government for the provision of emergency food assistance,” the release read.

Barbara MacDonald, the organization’s director of international programs, said the long-term grant agreement is significant in the success of humanitarian programming.

“This funding will enable us to continue serving many people experiencing critical levels of hunger in the midst of humanitarian emergency contexts, through the work of locally based, trusted partners who remain committed to helping people get the urgent assistance they need — even in situations that are very challenging.”