40 Years of Memories

40 YEARS | Canadian Foodgrains Bank

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6 entries.
Gordon Janzen from Winnipeg, MB wrote on March 13, 2023
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.
Florence Nduku from Nairobi, Kenya wrote on February 15, 2023
I have a very clear memory of when I heard about and saw Canadian Foodgrains Bank at work. Back in 2011, I joined Utooni Development Organization a partner funded by Mennonite Central committee. There was famine in the region when i joined and the communities were receiving inkind food to give them the energy to work on their farms as the expected the rains. I was humbled by the gesture of giving people food to work on their own farms. The name Foodgrains then made sense to me. The well labelled bags with grains and containers of cooking oil found... Read more
I have a very clear memory of when I heard about and saw Canadian Foodgrains Bank at work. Back in 2011, I joined Utooni Development Organization a partner funded by Mennonite Central committee. There was famine in the region when i joined and the communities were receiving inkind food to give them the energy to work on their farms as the expected the rains. I was humbled by the gesture of giving people food to work on their own farms. The name Foodgrains then made sense to me. The well labelled bags with grains and containers of cooking oil found their way to the community members each weekend and saturday was a very important day for each family who was part of the UDO program and worked on their farms during the week. As I trained communities on the importance of Soil conservation through Terraces, sand dam constructions, tree planting and preparing their gardens I was motivated to see the passion with which the men and women worked to at least ensure they had a meal for their families. As i visited individual farms as part of monitoring field visits, I couldn't fail to see the Joy, appreciate the Energy and visualize the Hope the communities had, realizing besides supporting each other to prepare their farms, they didn't have to worry about what they were going to eat. Canadian Foodgrains Bank through MCC had generously provide a food ration of 10 kgs Maize, 5 kgs beans and 1 litre cooking oil every week for each of the households. Long live Canadian Foodgrains!
Henry Reinders from Meaford, ON wrote on February 5, 2023
Back in 1996, Howard Sullivan, the minister at our church asked me if I would be interested in helping with a Canadian Foodgrains Bank project in our area. "Canadian what?" was my puzzled response. As I learned more about the organization, I could see a couple of things that really attracted me. First, as a farmer, this would be a wonderful opportunity to use my gifts and knowledge to return some of the tremendous blessings God had given me in my life. Second, it would also be a great opportunity for agricultural education within our community. And you know what... Read more
Back in 1996, Howard Sullivan, the minister at our church asked me if I would be interested in helping with a Canadian Foodgrains Bank project in our area. "Canadian what?" was my puzzled response. As I learned more about the organization, I could see a couple of things that really attracted me. First, as a farmer, this would be a wonderful opportunity to use my gifts and knowledge to return some of the tremendous blessings God had given me in my life. Second, it would also be a great opportunity for agricultural education within our community. And you know what they say, "When opportunity knocks..." In 1997, the Bighead River Foodgrains growing project was formed through the cooperation of several churches in Meaford and land was donated on the outskirts of town. I was the farmer contact. Through donations and our first crop of barley, we raised $3500 that first year. Our project grew and eventually I took on the coordinator and treasurer role which I still do today. Today, we are raising over $50,000 annually. One of my greatest satisfactions was running the Mervin Lush Memorial Antique Tractor Show on our farm. This one-day event drew hundreds of visitors to the farm and raised thousands of dollars for the Foodgrains bank while also allowing people to learn about agriculture. Another highlight was the people to people visit of Sangster from Malawi. It was a thrill to meet up with him again years later in Malawi. Partnering with Christ Church United, now Christ First United, from Mississauga was, and still is, a great experience. Watching their enthusiasm for picking stones in those early years was amazing and it was another opportunity for ag education when they visited our dairy farm. After retiring from dairy farming, I had the opportunity to go on a learning tour to Malawi. It was an experience that would change the direction of my retirement and one that has left me with a lifetime of memories and gratitude. You cannot possibly go on one of these trips and not be moved to recognize the blessings we have in Canada and attain a desire to help in some way. After that trip, I began speaking about my experiences throughout Grey and Bruce counties. Then I was asked to become an Ontario ambassador and I began speaking more widely in the province. In 2019, Ontario regional rep Dave Epp took a leave of absence to contest the conservative nomination in his riding. I was asked to fill in as a volunteer rep which I did. Finally, with Dave's success at being elected the conservative candidate in his riding and then in the Oct. 2019 federal election, he resigned as Ontario regional rep and the position became open. Having several months of volunteer experience under my belt, I decided I liked what I was doing and applied for the job. The rest, as they say, is history. I started officially as the Ontario regional rep in January 2020 and it has been an amazing experience. It started with another learning tour to India which only reinforced in my mind the wonderful things our members and their partners are doing in the developing world. The pandemic (not so amazing) gave me time to meet with most of the over 100 growing projects across the province and to make phone contact with many donors. As restrictions eased in 2022, I became busier with speaking engagements, farm shows, and many, many donor and growing project visits. I am so grateful for the ambassadors we now have who are able to ease the workload. Of all the things I cherish, of all the memories I've created, none will be stronger than the friendships that have been established around kitchen tables, or in people's living rooms discussing our faith in God and our love of helping others around the world through Canadian Foodgrains Bank. That is what this is all about. It has been, and continues to be, an awesome ride!
Harold Penner from Manitoba wrote on January 30, 2023
My earliest memories go back to the time MCC started the "Food Bank" which in 1983 led to the formation of Canadian Foodgrains Bank. As farmers we were very happy that some of our wheat could be shipped directly to people in the developing world who needed something to eat. Then during the late 70's, while in MCC service in Bangladesh we had occasion to draw on the Bank and use the wheat in Food for Work to help people through a difficult time. Years later I was privileged to work as the Manitoba Coordinator. I have wonderful memories of... Read more
My earliest memories go back to the time MCC started the "Food Bank" which in 1983 led to the formation of Canadian Foodgrains Bank. As farmers we were very happy that some of our wheat could be shipped directly to people in the developing world who needed something to eat. Then during the late 70's, while in MCC service in Bangladesh we had occasion to draw on the Bank and use the wheat in Food for Work to help people through a difficult time. Years later I was privileged to work as the Manitoba Coordinator. I have wonderful memories of the many supporters in Manitoba working hard in their communities to promote the work of ending hunger. People have come up with many great ways to involve their communities in raising money to help. Leading tours of supporters to see the overseas work for themselves is another wonderful memory. Seeing for themselves motivates people to work even harder in their community projects and involve as many of their neighbours as possible.
Amanda Thorsteinsson from Winnipeg wrote on January 26, 2023
I have so many wonderful memories of my time at the Foodgrains Bank! I think that one of the best memories is visiting a mother and child nutrition project in eastern India. Moms were learning about the nutritional requirements for helping ensure their babies grew up healthy and strong, and being supported in breastfeeding their babies to give them the strongest start possible in life. It was amazing seeing the pride the mamas had in showing off their healthy young children, and their joy in celebrating their families.
I have so many wonderful memories of my time at the Foodgrains Bank! I think that one of the best memories is visiting a mother and child nutrition project in eastern India. Moms were learning about the nutritional requirements for helping ensure their babies grew up healthy and strong, and being supported in breastfeeding their babies to give them the strongest start possible in life. It was amazing seeing the pride the mamas had in showing off their healthy young children, and their joy in celebrating their families.
Canadian Foodgrains Bank wrote on January 1, 2023
We want to hear from you! Click the button above to share your memories.
We want to hear from you! Click the button above to share your memories.

40 YEARS | Canadian Foodgrains Bank