My first encounter with Canadian Foodgrains Bank was 38 years ago in India, in 1985. I was privileged to be sent by MCC, during a university gap year, to spend most of that year reporting on projects across India. The projects were Food-For-Work projects where Canadian wheat, supplied through the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, were being distributed. As a former missionary kid, I was thrilled to be back in India. The experience significantly expanded my understanding about the reality of hunger and the impact of community projects in rural Indian communities. When I started my current role as Regional Representative in... Read more
My first encounter with Canadian Foodgrains Bank was 38 years ago in India, in 1985. I was privileged to be sent by MCC, during a university gap year, to spend most of that year reporting on projects across India. The projects were Food-For-Work projects where Canadian wheat, supplied through the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, were being distributed. As a former missionary kid, I was thrilled to be back in India. The experience significantly expanded my understanding about the reality of hunger and the impact of community projects in rural Indian communities.
When I started my current role as Regional Representative in Manitoba and NW Ontario in 2017, I re-read my final report from that 1985 assignment. I was surprised at the critical comments I made then. I noted that the shipment of Canadian wheat had arrived in the port of Calcutta 3 months late. It came during the monsoon rainy season, so there was some spoilage. Then there were logistical issues in transporting the wheat to the project sites. And finally, the recipients were thankful for the wheat, but they made it known that they preferred rice and lentils over wheat. Now, I often think of those challenges, and am thankful for the ways that Canadian Foodgrains Bank continues to strive for improvement, effectiveness, and efficiency in responding to hunger in many settings. Most significantly we no longer ship wheat from Canada to places of need, but instead purchase appropriate food from regional sources.
During the last five years, I have been privileged to meet many supporters of the Foodgrains Bank across Manitoba and NW Ontario. While meeting growing project groups at harvest events, speaking in churches, engaging with individuals by phone or around a kitchen table, I am continually inspired by the Foodgrains Bank community. When it feels like the world has too many devastating crises, I am encouraged to be part of a network of generous supporters, committed to working together to address global hunger.