Meaford, Ontario farmer Henry Reinders is the new Foodgrains Bank regional representative for Ontario. In 2018, Reinders traveled to Malawi on a Foodgrains Bank learning tour to see firsthand how members, donors and supporters are making a difference overseas. He is pictured here (right) with Malawian farmer Danny Gwira (left). (Photo: Shaylyn McMahon)
Henry Reinders has been appointed regional representative for Ontario at Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
Reinders has been involved with the Foodgrains Bank for many years, volunteering with the Bighead River growing project since its inception in 1997. Each year, the project plants, tends and harvests a crop to raise money for the Foodgrains Bank’s work to end global hunger.
In February 2018, Reinders traveled to Malawi on a Foodgrains Bank learning tour to see firsthand how efforts like his are making a difference overseas.
“It was incredible to see the impact that support from the Foodgrains Bank and its members could have on the lives of families in Malawi,” he says. “I saw how a bit of training and support could go a long way for Malawian farmers. It gave me great hope that we could help many more families facing hunger.”
For the past year, Reinders has served as a Foodgrains Bank voluntary ambassador in Ontario. In this role, he has been making presentations about the work of the Foodgrains Bank and supporting fundraising efforts in Ontario.
Reinders has had a successful career as a dairy, hay and crop farmer since 1988. Prior to this, Reinders worked in sales and marketing with Dow Chemical. He holds a degree from the University of Guelph in agriculture, with a major in crop science. Reinders and his family are long-time members of Knox Presbyterian Church in Meaford, where he has served in numerous leadership roles.
“I’ve been blessed throughout my career in life, and now I am blessed to have this opportunity to give back and support families around the world who are experiencing hunger,” he says.
Reinders will work with Foodgrains Bank supporters in Ontario and Quebec and begin in this position on January 6. He replaces Dave Epp, who served in that capacity since 2015.
