In Lower Newton, P.E.I., Stephen Visser and Zion Presbyterian Church are bringing together their community to help feed the world. The Orwell Cove farmer had been approached by church members of Zion Presbyterian Church in Charlottetown with a vision: to turn a field of wheat into hope for families in places where Foodgrains Bank is working to end hunger.
“I was excited to partner with like-minded Christian people,” says Stephen. “As Christian farmers, we believe that God has blessed us with the resources of His creation and that we are called to share this blessing with others.”
It’s been many years of supporting Foodgrains Bank for Stephen, who had been involved in a growing project previously hosted by members of the Christian Reformed Church, giving his time and equipment to help with the project.
Later he became a growing partner, donating proceeds from one of his fields to Foodgrains Bank before being hit by Hurricane Fiona, which devastated parts of the Atlantic in September 2022. This year, when Zion Presbyterian Church reached out again, Stephen saw it as a chance to return to something meaningful.
Two combines made quick work of the winter wheat crop on August 8, harvesting around 40 tonnes from 15 acres. The grain was sent to the nearby elevator, with proceeds going to Foodgrains Bank.
Foodgrains Bank P.E.I. ambassador Kent Myers designed a special cake for the harvest event – just one of the many contributions from the community in Lower Newton. Farmer Stephen Visser is pictured above making the first cut! (Photo: Zion Presbyterian Church)
And during the growing season, 10 local agriculture businesses stepped up to support the project in their own ways – a reflection of the community spirit that is so strong amongst the farming community.
“Farming communities everywhere are built on integrity and hard work, and mutual respect for each other,” says Stephen. “I was honoured and humbled by the positive response to help we received from sponsors and volunteers. For me, it solidified the strength of the character of the people around us.”
This story was originally published in the 2026 winter edition of Breaking Bread.
