in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
March 27, 2025
BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — On Thursday, March 27, the Canadian Foodgrains Bank held a Spring information meeting at the Knox Presbyterian Church in Holstein. Members of the local farming community gathered to hear an update on the organization's activities.
Ontario Regional Representative Henry Reinders described 2024 as another good year for the Bank, although the number of 'growing projects' fell slightly. He also lauded the difference that many local projects are making in the fight against global hunger, with volunteer efforts of farming groups and funds raised through local events and donations.
Brenda Calder told of her Holstein farm's success growing sunflowers, while Harriston farmers raved about the John Deere Antique Extravaganza which raised over $42,000 the previous year. "I've never counted that much money at the kitchen table before," joked Murray Calder.
The Foodgrains Bank is a partnership of 15 churches and church-based agencies in Canada, providing a 'Christian Response to Hunger.' Through volunteer efforts like these, the organization assisted nearly one million people in 35 countries in 2024.
But Reinders warned of a challenging year ahead due to cuts in foreign aid from governments around the world, most notably, by the US. Although the Foodgrains Bank does not receive funding directly from USAid, a significant number of groups they work with, will be devastated by an estimated 93% cut to USAid under the Trump administration.
Paul Hagerman addresses attendees.
Foodgrains Bank Director of Public Policy Paul Hagerman brought that situation into full focus, explaining how the US broad freeze on foreign aid will result in 10,000 workers laid off, 100,000 NGO staff likely losing their jobs and the creation of life-threatening hunger for millions more. "People will die," said Hagerman.
But it's not only the US that is lowering foreign aid spending. Hagerman explained that many other countries around the world are following suit and putting life-saving services like those provided by the Foodgrains Bank at risk. The global impact of cuts leads to a loss of access to vital services and information for displaced and poverty-stricken people affected by conflict, drought or floods in countries like South Sudan and Haiti.
"One of our members' partners in Kenya has laid off 500 of their 650 staff due to the cuts," said Hagerman, just one of many examples he gave of the devastating effects of spending cuts.
Hagerman warned that Canada is also considering cuts to foreign aid but the Foodgrains Bank has a plan to steer the country in a better direction with a 'public policy rapid response.' He urged those in attendance to visit the Foodgrains Bank website to access advocacy resources and put the subject of foreign aid in front of politicians during the current federal election. "Helping the rest of the world does help Canada," he said.
Serving nearly 100,000 people with nutritional and agricultural programs, the Foodgrains Bank saves lives, providing food and homes for displaced people, reducing poverty by increasing food production and improving post-harvest storage and lessening conflict by bringing different ethnic groups together to combine their talents in a spirit of partnership.
But in addition to building resilient communities around the world, aid helps Canada by reducing the spread of disease and encouraging stability and prosperity, while enhancing Canada's reputation and 'soft power.'
For more information about the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, visit their website.
At South Grey News, we endeavour to bring you truthful and factual, up-to-date local community news in a quick and easy-to-digest format that’s free of political bias. We believe this service is more important today than ever before, as social media has given rise to misinformation, largely unchecked by big corporations who put profits ahead of their responsibilities.
South Grey News does not have the resources of a big corporation. We are a small, locally owned-and-operated organization. Research, analysis and physical attendance at public meetings and community events requires considerable effort. But contributions from readers and advertisers, however big or small, go a long way to helping us deliver positive, open and honest journalism for this community.
Please consider supporting South Grey News with a donation in lieu of a subscription fee and let us know that our efforts are appreciated. Thank you.
.jpg?updated=1625080483)
