International Programs
In 2007/08, Canadian Foodgrains Bank approved $25.3 million in funding for 61 projects in 24 countries around the world. 31,345 tonnes of food and seed were provided. 1.3 million people benefited from these programs.
Ending hunger has been the focus of Foodgrains Bank programming since its inception 25 years ago. However, the mode of programming has evolved over time, looking to address hunger in relevant and comprehensive ways.
Shipment of Canadian Food
From the beginning, the Foodgrains Bank has provided food to people facing hunger from droughts, flooding, poverty, conflict, and discrimination. Much of this food has been supplied from Canada. The shipment of Canadian food continues to be an important method of providing assistance when there are food shortages in a region. 8,736 tonnes of food was shipped from Canada in 2007/08.
Local/Regional Procurement
In 2005, the obligation to use 90% of government matching funding to purchase food in Canada was reduced to 50%. The ability to purchase food closer to the area of need can improve the timeliness of delivery in emergency situations, reduce costs, ensure the right type of food is provided, and support local farmers. 21,399 tonnes of food and 1,210 tonnes of seeds were purchased from developing country farmers in 2007/08. More recently, the government has given 100% flexibility to the procurement of food.
Nutrition Programming
Food is not the only requirement for good nutrition. A lack of micronutrients, unclean water, lack of sanitation, disease, and improper feeding practices can all contribute to malnutrition. $1.9 million was spent on cash-based activities to reduce malnutrition in 2007/08, including providing micronutrient supplements, supporting nutrition education, and improving water and sanitation facilities.
Food Security Programming
The Foodgrains Bank is increasing funding to support the efforts of households and communities to feed themselves in the longer-term. To help communities recover from droughts and other emergencies, resettle after being displaced by conflict, and address situations of chronic hunger, funding is provided for seeds and tools, development of irrigation schemes, introduction of conservation farming methods, restocking of animals, any many other activities. $4.9 million was spent on food security activities in 2007/08. The new funding agreement with CIDA allows the Foodgrains Bank to allocate matching funds to food security activities.
While the ways we respond to hunger has evolved over the past 25 years, the motivation has stayed the same. We are connected with brothers and sisters around the world, and when they are hungry we must respond. Issues of climate change and spiking global food prices are having devastating effects on people who are already vulnerable. We will continue to work with our partners to meet immediate food needs and find sustainable solutions to these food crises.