In a time when conflict, climate emergencies, natural disasters, and economic disruptions are leading to increased frequency and intensity of humanitarian crises, Canadian Foodgrains Bank and its 15 member agencies are grateful to receive $100 million from the Canadian government for the provision of emergency food assistance.
The Government of Canada will provide $25 million a year to the Foodgrains Bank to provide emergency food assistance in places experiencing humanitarian crisis around the world over the next four years, until 2028.
In the year ahead, this funding will contribute to programs in places such as Syria, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Haiti, as they grapple with the reality of severe hunger.
“We are very appreciative of the longstanding partnership we have with the Government of Canada, and for the renewal of this funding. It will help provide urgent assistance to many people around the world experiencing critical levels of hunger because of conflicts, natural disasters, climate impacts, and other humanitarian emergency crises,” says Andy Harrington, executive director of the Foodgrains Bank. “This funding, along with the consistent support we receive from Canadian donors, enables us to move quickly and effectively in times of crisis.”
Through the Foodgrains Bank network of 15 member organizations and their local partners, emergency food assistance is supplied via food baskets, cash payments, or vouchers for markets. The renewed funding will also support targeted nutrition interventions, including the treatment of acute malnutrition for younger children.
Foodgrains Bank director of international programs Barbara MacDonald says the long-term grant agreement plays a significant role in the success of humanitarian programming.
“This funding will enable us to continue serving many people experiencing critical levels of hunger in the midst of humanitarian emergency contexts, through the work of locally-based, trusted partners who remain committed to helping people get the urgent assistance they need – even in situations that are very challenging.”
This agreement is a renewal of previous funding that Global Affairs Canada has provided to the Foodgrains Bank since 1985, and provides a 4:1 match (up to $25 million annually) for donations made by Canadians.
