Like so many development and aid organizations, Canadian Foodgrains Bank and its member agencies are working to determine the best way to support effective programming in Haiti in response to the earthquake. It is clear that people are in urgent need of many things – food, shelter, health services, etc. – and many of our member agencies have already been actively responding in whatever way they can.

Lessons from previous disasters like what has happened in Haiti tell us that it is equally important to begin addressing issues of recovery as soon as possible.  In a conference call that was held with our member agencies shortly after the quake, the member agencies asked the Foodgrains Bank to begin developing a coordinated food response to support recovery efforts.  It is important that there be a coordinated effort in response to the earthquake and that agencies don’t simply rush in and risk doubling up on some efforts and letting other needs fall between the cracks.

On Thursday, January 28th, Siggi Holzhauer, one of our program officers, will be traveling to Haiti for an assessment.  He will meet with UN agencies like the WFP and gather information about local or international procurement and distribution. He will also meet with CFGB members and their partner agencies to assess what the food and related needs are, how food resources from Canadian Foodgrains Bank can support recovery efforts, and how the program(s) will be carried out. He will be working with Meagan Peasgood, a former staff person at the Foodgrains Bank who now lives in Haiti and survived the earthquake.

The recovery program may involve food-for-work projects that provide households with food while they rebuild their homes and community assets, food aid for internally displaced persons, and agricultural programs which will help farmers prepare for the March seeding season.

We thank our supporters for their interest and compassion for Haiti. We will do our best to keep you informed about the ongoing efforts to help ensure the people of Haiti have food to eat while they rebuild their lives. We welcome you to also visit our member agencies websites to see the work that they are doing.
Please continue to pray for and support the people of Haiti. Donate here.

If you would like to download a pdf to help you communicate the need to your church groups, friends, or people in the media, click here for a special ad developed for this appeal.

(Photo by Paul Jeffrey, ACT Alliance)