Highlights of the 2008-2009 year

Resources

  • Gifts of grain and cash donated to Canadian Foodgrains Bank totaled 12.4 million dollars.
  • Community growing projects and individual farmers donated $5.5 million of grain.
  • Over 15,000 acres were harvested by 214 community growing projects.

Programming

  • Foodgrains Bank supported projects were carried out in 31 countries. Approximately 2.1 million people benefited from the food aid, nutrition programming and development assistance.
  • Approximately 40,683 tonnes of food aid and seeds were delivered by Foodgrains Bank members to their overseas partners for distribution.
  • The largest programs were in Zimbabwe, Uganda, India, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Kenya.

Public Policy

  • In spring 2008, during the media frenzy surrounding the food crisis, Canadian Foodgrains Bank was lobbying the government to support small-scale farming in developing countries, which would not only produce more food but would also improve livelihoods for poor people and make them more resilient to climate change.
  • In April 2008 Canada announced that it would increase its food aid budget and untie all food aid, meaning that food aid that Canada provides can be purchased close to where the need is (rather than shipping from Canada).

Public Engagement

  • Fast for Change was initiated amidst the context of the global food crisis.  Many people took World Food day, 16 October, to fast, pray, and reflect on food justice.
  • Two visitors from developing countries provided insight and wisdom at public events across the country.
  • Food study tours of Haiti, Zambia, and Mozambique and a youth tour of Honduras saw 18 participants visit developing countries and return to Canada to share their experiences.

     

Commentary on Financial Results

  • Donations in 2008/09 reached $12.4 million, $6.9 million in cash donations and another $5.5 million in grain donations (much of which is cashed out). The value of grain donations was up considerably from the previous year, reflecting increased commodity prices world wide.

 

Income

  • Grain revenue consists of all donated crops, whether kept in-store, shipped, or sold.
  • Cash donations come from individuals, congregations, member agencies, companies and foundations.
  • $48.6 million in CIDA funding was recognized as revenue in 2008/09. Accounting rules specify that CIDA funding is only recognized when we expend the CIDA funds, not when we receive them. $19.5 million was from a special grant for delivery of 44,500 MT of grain to Ethiopia.  $29,113,342 was from our ongoing grant agreement with CIDA. 
  • Interest is earned on deposits.
  • Other income includes membership fees, income earned from services provided, and other special funding.

Expenses

  • $55.7 million was spent on international program activities to provide and distribute food and seeds, and to support food security and nutrition programs.
  • Program management covers the costs of managing and monitoring the overseas program.
  • Public policy and public engagement includes work in advocacy and hunger education.
  • Resource gathering and communications expenses includes fundraising, communications with the public, and supporting volunteers.
  • Administration includes costs such as office rent, telephones, administrative staff and governance.

Want more Facts? Click here for a PDF version of the 2009 Annual Report