For more than 40 years, Canadian food producers have joined with other growers in their community to contribute to a world without hunger by donating crop proceeds to the Foodgrains Bank. These growing projects continue to be a strong way for communities to support people overseas living without regular access to food.
Now, we’ve developed an opportunity for individual Canadian food producers to get involved in the mission to end hunger by donating as a growing partner.
Whether they’re growing crops, raising livestock, or tending a vineyard, these growers are making a difference in the fight against hunger. Food producers from across the country are becoming part of a nationwide community of people who believe in the mission of ending global hunger.
Saskatchewan farmers Benedict (Ben) and Kathy Lewans, based in Shaunavon, have given to the Foodgrains Bank for over a decade by donating grain proceeds, even during times when the region is suffering from drought.
“What I decided to do was to give a portion of my grain delivery every time I harvested,” says Ben, “and shortly after, I started giving five per cent of my gross [profit] every delivery. That’s what I’ve been doing ever since. I support a number of charities, and focus on the ones that are Christian-based so that was another reason the Foodgrains Bank caught my eye.”
Ontario couple Elaine and Gerry Van den Hengel started supporting the Foodgrains Bank in the mid to late 1980’s when they joined the Seaforth Foodgrains growing project.
For many years, they were involved in the growing project, which started as a collaboration among six or seven church communities and closed in the early 2000’s. Since then, they’ve continued to donate the proceeds of their own crops as growing partners.
“Foodgrains Bank seems to live their faith by helping in any way possible those who are experiencing food shortages,” says Elaine. “My contribution is a very small part of the overall needs – but every bit helps.”
In the 2023-24 fiscal year, 99 Canadian growing partners gifted 130 donations, totalling $592,767. Thank you to everyone who donated to help end hunger!
To join other food producers in this effort, visit foodgrainsbank.ca/growing. When you donate as a growing partner, you identify yourself as a compassionate Canadian food producer. Your gift will be used to help people access food during a time of crisis, or to help improve livelihoods in places with more stability.
This story was originally published in the 2025 Winter edition of Breaking Bread.
