Foodgrains Bank Donated 32,436 MT Food

WINNIPEG - May 7/02 - SNS -- Donations to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank exceeded CDN $6 million during the fiscal year ending March 31, allowing the agency to supply 32,436 metric tons (MT) of food aid to people in 26 countries.

"This is the third highest level of donations in the 19 year history of the Foodgrains Bank," said Jim Cornelius, Executive Director of Canadian Foodgrains Bank charitable organization. "We continue to be blessed with the strong support of grass roots Canadians."

Donations totaled $6.1 million for the fiscal year April 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002, an increase of $200,000 over the previous year. Cash donations of $3.3 million were up 15% and the value of donated grain was $2.8 million, roughly the same as last year. Actual tonnage was 17,409 down 15% from the previous year due to drought and poor harvest weather, but prices and the types of crops donated were of a higher value.

In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2002 Canadian Foodgrains Bank supplied 32,436 MT of food to people in 26 countries. The Canadian International Development Agency provided $16 million in matching funds, greatly enhancing the support of Canadians.

"We had major programs in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, India and North Korea last year. These programs show the diversity of the responses we're involved in. Afghanistan faced drought and conflict, Ethiopia had poor crops, our India response was related to chronic poverty and the North Korean response is as a result of economic collapse," Cornelius said.

"In addition to relief assistance, food is used in "food for work" programs which assist community projects such as developing clean water and irrigation, which help to reduce future vulnerability. In some cases we supply seeds and tools to help families be self sufficient in their own food production. We respond in which ever way makes the most sense for the local people."