Farm Credit Canada has launched the 14th year of FCC Drive Away Hunger by contributing $100,000 to school meal programs across Canada, in addition to announcing this year’s goal for its annual food drive.
FCC offices across Canada are now collecting food and cash donations until October 13.
And beginning on October 10, FCC Drive Away Hunger tractor tours will take place in five provinces including Ontario. The stops are in London, Wyoming and Thornton to collect food and donations from individuals and organizations, including industry partners and schools.
“We are always looking for more ways to support those who are working everyday to help alleviate hunger in Canada,” said Michael Hoffort, FCC president and CEO, adding this year’s goal is to collect the equivalent of five million meals for Canada’s food banks and hunger programs.
To launch FCC Drive Away Hunger this year, the federal Crown corporation is contributing a total of $100,000 in support of food programs offered at 100 schools selected by FCC offices across Canada based on need.
“There are always people in our communities in need of a helping hand and no child should ever have to make it through a school day on an empty stomach,” said Hoffort, noting that hunger touches over 860,000 Canadians each month, many of whom are children.
Each school is receiving $1,000 in support of their program.
The launch precedes Hunger Awareness Week from September 18-22, 2017 which aims to raise awareness about the issue of hunger in Canada.
Anyone can visit www.fccdriveawayhunger.ca to make a monetary donation.
“FCC is in a unique position to bring together Canada’s agriculture community to share the food it produces with those who need it most,” Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay said. “I am proud of FCC’s continued leadership in this national food drive, as well as the generosity and support of Canadian farmers, who consistently produce among the highest quality and safest food in the world.”
There are many partners in the program including BDO Canada as a platinum partner and Parrish and Heimbecker Limited as a national partner.
