Manitoba World Food Aid Drive

WINNIPEG - Feb 12/04 - SNS -- Four delivery dates have been set in Manitoba for growers interested in donating wheat and other grains for use in international food aid programs sponsored by the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

For the drive, two Manitoba grain companies and two farmer-owned elevators are waiving their CDN $11 per metric ton (MT) handling fees.

"We were blessed to have a good harvest this year in southern Manitoba and many farmers are happy to share with those in need," said Harold Penner, Manitoba Coordinator for Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

"It's just amazing how everyone I approached to help me with this project, from elevator managers to people putting up posters all over, were willing to help! Nobody had to think about it - I always had an immediate "yes", often followed with more good ideas to make this a success."

These will be community events with Foodgrains staff in attendance. Refreshments will be served and everyone is welcome to come to the elevator, whether or not they have grain to deliver.

"With grain elevators waiving over $11 MT, the money saved on each and every ton of grain donated to the grain drive is enough to feed about one hundred people for a day," said Penner.

"If the farmers are willing to donate the grain, our staff is more than happy to help," said James Borgford, General Manager of Agricore United's terminal at Letellier. "Best of all, it's going to help a good cause."

The focus is on wheat; however farmers can call ahead if they have other crops to donate.

Grain deliveries will be accepted free of charge at the following locations:

March 3, 2004 - Artel Farms Elevator, Niverville - Grant at 346-4222

March 4, 2004 - former Cargill Elevator, Winkler - Ray at 324-7202 or Cornie at 324-3161.

March 6, 2004 - Agricore United Red River South (Letellier) -James at 737-2096.

March 13, 2004 - Delmar Commodities, Gladstone - Jeff or Ernie at 385-2292

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