After 24 years of helping to fight hunger around the world, Canadian Foodgrains Bank has distributed its one-millionth tonne of food. That's enough to fill more than 15,000 box cars with bags of grain—a train that would stretch approximately 290 kilometres.
“This is a significant milestone for us,” said Jim Cornelius, CFGB's Executive Director. “A million tonnes of food is enough to provide a full ration of cereals, pulses and oil to over 66 million people for one month. That's twice the population of Canada, or one percent of the world's population.”
Since its inception in 1983, the organization has supported food, agriculture and nutrition programming in 74 countries.
Earlier this summer, CFGB celebrated more good news, when it was announced that the Canadian International Development Agency had signed a five-year agreement that increases annual funding to CFGB from $16 million to $20 million. The Foodgrains Bank also welcomed two new members (Anglican and Roman Catholic) to its team, bringing the total number of church-based agencies involved to 15, including the Presbyterian Church.
“There are a lot of reasons to celebrate,” says Rev. Rick Fee, CFGB's board chair. “We have increased our strength by adding new members and new funding, and we are confident that millions more people will benefit in the future. Today we congratulate staff, volunteers, donors, and partners for their hard work and dedication. We remain committed to the task of ending hunger.” – CFGB
