Message from the Executive Director and the Board Chair

Thursday, July 17, 2025
Our Stories

In a world facing deep challenges and uncertainty, hope can feel hard to hold onto. Yet in our 2024–25 annual report, Canadian Foodgrains Bank executive director Andy Harrington and board chair Afua Mante offer a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we come together as a network in compassion and purpose. Here’s what they shared about the world we’re navigating and the collective impact we’re making.

As we reflect on the year 2024-25, the challenging realities of the world we live in weigh heavy on our hearts.

Famine has been declared in Sudan, the highest levels of global displacement in history have been recorded, and major changes to aid funding systems are reshaping how we respond to crises. The world is grappling with immense challenges, and at times, it can feel overwhelming to know where to look first.

It begs the question: in these turbulent times, where do we find our hope?

Well, hope is found in many places. It is in the collective work that we do together every day. It is in the compassion and resilience of those who stand beside us – our members, their local partners, and faithful supporters. And it is in the gratitude of families whose lives have been transformed, so that hunger is no longer their reality.

The work we’re doing together can sometimes seem small in the face of such enormous need, but it is having a profound impact. We are a lifeline to those who are suffering, and the results of our projects mean that lives are saved, suffering is alleviated, and for so many people, dignity is restored.

As we navigate the uncertainty of the world around us, we always try to focus on what is within our control, and then trust God with the things that are beyond our reach. We reflect on the words of Jesus in John 16:33, and learn to take our rest in His promise of peace in the midst of trouble and chaos.

As we reflect on this, let us take heart in the good work we are doing (Galatians 6:9), knowing that we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up now. The world around us is changing, but Canadian Foodgrains Bank will continue to stand strong in the future, to help change the lives of hundreds of thousands of people every year.

We may not be able to reach every person, but we can make a difference for many individuals, families, and communities. And together, we are doing just that.

Click here to read the full 2024-25 Annual Report.

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