It's been tough for farmers to get out into the fields this harvest.
Volunteers with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank have also had a difficult time getting the crop off. Harold Penner, regional coordinator for Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario, says weather has been an issue.
"We had such a wet time earlier this year and then we went through such a dry spell and everthing's been so delayed with the cooler weather...it's all just a mad scramble when everything works well."
However, Penner notes it hasn't been hard finding volunteers.
"Anyone doing harvest now is so committed to what they're doing that if something's going to work out, they're going to get it done."
Crops being grown on about 5,500 acres in Manitoba include winter wheat, rye, wheat and canola. Penner says there was some quality issues with the winter wheat but notes the rye was looking good.
He talks about what it means to have such tremendous volunteer support.
"I think it just really shows the commitment that people have to the task of helping end hunger in this world," said Penner. "I think even as we go through struggles people realize that we in this country are very blessed and it's a privilege to be able to share some of those blessings with others. I just see a real commitment and a spirit of eagerness to help in all the volunteers we have."
Penner adds the agency has worked in over 30 countries in the past two years and their focus this year is on Syria and South Sudan.
Source: PortageOnline