Farm Credit Canada (FCC), along with its industry partners and public generosity, have provided over 17 million meals for food banks and feeding programs nationwide, another record-breaking year, despite disruptions caused by the global pandemic.
Now in its 17th year, FCC Drive Away Hunger goes a long way toward replenishing the shelves at food banks and supporting school feeding programs across the country.
The donation comes at a time when many food banks across the country are experiencing drastic declines in volunteers and food donations, as well as increased public demand in many locations due to the pandemic, according to Food Banks Canada.
“There is a growing number of individuals and families with children, in both urban and rural Canada, who are struggling to make ends meet during this pandemic and FCC Drive Away Hunger goes a long way each year in putting food on the table for thousands of Canadians,” said Michael Hoffort, FCC president and CEO, in announcing the results of this year’s collection in support of Canada’s food banks. “These are difficult times for many, so we need to make a special effort to give what we can to local food banks now and throughout the year.”
Although the highly visible tractor food collection tours and other in-person activities were cancelled out of respect for physical distancing guidelines, FCC worked with industry partners to collect food and cash donations for Canada’s food banks. Activities included an FCC Drive Away Hunger drive through, where partner organizations and FCC employees dropped off donations at the temporary drive through set up at the Regina Food Bank, while partners and volunteer groups in other communities held virtual or in-car events to raise money for local food banks.
“Every year, we are inspired by FCC’s commitment to this campaign. This year, despite a pandemic, they were able to pivot and deliver yet again. On behalf of the food bank network, we are incredibly grateful for this support,” said Chris Hatch, CEO of Food Banks Canada.
Regina is home to FCC’s corporate headquarters and about half of the federal Crown corporation’s 2,000 employees, who work in offices across Canada. Earlier this year, FCC provided $280 000 to national and provincial food bank associations to support communities struggling to keep up with demand.
“We are proud to give back to the communities where many of our customers and employees live and work, thankful for our partners, who work hard to produce food every day and to the many volunteers who keep the doors to the food banks open,” Hoffort said. “Once again they have shown what a generous country we live in and how we can make a difference in so many lives by working together.”
In addition to donations and food collections, FCC contributed a total of $100,000 in support of feeding programs offered over 100 schools across Canada. Earlier this month, each school received $1,000 to feed hungry children at school.
Partners are a major contributor to the success of FCC Drive Away Hunger. This year, major partners included, BDO Canada LLP, Bonduelle, Canadawide, Courchesne Larose, Chenail Fruits & Legumes, Dedicated Harvesters, Exceldor, Paysan, duBreton and The Meat Factory Limited. Other partners include BASF Canada, Co-op, Groupe Vegco Inc., Nutrigroupe, Parrish & Heimbecker Limited, Ray-Mont Logistics International and Windset Farms.
Source : FCC