Image: Newton Waweru / Provided by Canadian Foodgrains Bank / Food being distributed at a site in Marsabit County, Kenya by Canadian Foodgrains Bank partner Church World Service.

By Don Mitchell

international food aid

$100M renewal to bolster international emergency aid provided by Foodgrains Bank

Sep 13, 2024 | 9:56 AM

ABBOTSFORD – A Canadian-based organization seeking to end global hunger is getting a multi-million dollar boost from the Trudeau government to fund emergency food assistance programs.

Ottawa will give $100 million over four years to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, which will turn the funding into international aid amid conflicts, natural disasters, and economic disruptions.

Andy Harrington, executive director of the Foodgrains Bank, says humanitarian crises in Syria, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Haiti are examples of where the aid will be directed in the coming year.

“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,” said Harrington during a press conference on Kenny Road in Abbotsford Thursday.

Image: Laura Brookes / Provided by Canadian Foodgrains Bank / Canadian Foodgrains Bank executive director and Chilliwack resident Andy Harrington addresses the media alongside minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen on a Kenny Road acreage Sept. 12, 2024

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

Fifteen organizations and local partners make up the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, which has supplied food baskets, cash payments, and vouchers to those facing hunger for roughly 40 years.

In that time, the network has provided over $1 billion in assistance to tens of millions of people in over 70 countries.

The agreement with Global Affairs Canada is a renewal of previous funding, which provides a 4:1 match (up to $25 million annually) for donations made by Canadians.