By Alice McFarlane

Canadian Foodgrains Bank receives support from the federal government

Aug 13, 2021 | 5:00 PM

MELFORT, Sask. — The federal government has committed $155 million to help fight global hunger and acute malnutrition.

Canadian Foodgrains Bank will use its $10 million allotment for programs focusing on emergency responses and building future resilience in areas where the effects of poverty, unpredictable and extreme weather, and conflict have been further exacerbated by COVID-19.

Foodgrains Bank executive director Andy Harrington said the support is a welcome response to the current crises where 41 million people are currently at risk of falling into famine.

“Our members and their partners are already working in these areas, and this increased support across the development sector will save even more lives,” Harrington said.

Last year the world experienced the single largest increase in global hunger ever recorded. Harrington said without interventions like this, the lack of nutrition could result in more than two million vulnerable children having their growth stunted and up to 168,000 children dying as a result.

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“Famines can be prevented, if there is a concerted, compassionate global response,” Harrington said. “We know from our supporters just how much Canadians care about the issue of hunger, and hope that more people around the world rise up to intervene.”

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

During the 2020-21 budget year, the Foodgrains Bank provided $49 million of assistance for 989,000 people in 33 countries.

Canadian Foodgrains Bank programs are supported by Global Affairs Canada.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW