It's been forty years since farmers in Manitoba were part of a movement in western Canada to help people who were hungry in the developing world.
In 1976 the call was issued by Mennonite Central Committee for its newly-created MCC Food Bank. Farmers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan came through, donating 1,442 tonnes of grain. In 1977-78, MCC sent the first shipment of grain from the Food Bank to India.
Seven years later, MCC invited other church-related agencies to join and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank was created. Today it's a partnership of 15 churches and church agencies.
Bert Kornelsen was involved in some of the first grain collected in the Rosenort/Lowe Farm area.
He says the response in the area has always been positive.
"Over the years I would say we have had just excellent response from other people. I've been involved for many years with growing projects. We've had farmers donating pieces of land and donating services and time and equipment to do the work, as well as cash donations."
Source : Portageonline