Fruit and vegetable growers stand together to support food rescue efforts

Oct 15, 2024

As part of Ontario Agriculture Week and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, fruit and vegetable growers across Ontario are stepping up to help combat food insecurity in the province.

The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) has announced a $25,000 donation to Second Harvest, Canada’s largest food rescue charity. This contribution will help provide nutritious food to families in need.

This donation aligns with Ontario Agriculture Week, a celebration of Ontario’s fresh, healthy food and a recognition of the vital role farmers play in feeding communities.

“Supporting Second Harvest in its mission to reduce hunger and food waste is one way growers are working to give back to their local communities, while also working tirelessly to fill grocery shelves and drive the local economy,” says Shawn Brenn, potato grower and OFVGA chair.

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Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.