Partners in Canada’s agriculture and food industry have once again rallied behind Drive Away Hunger, providing an equivalent of more than 36 million meals to food banks and feeding programs across the country.
Founded by Farm Credit Canada (FCC), the industry-wide initiative has been collecting food and cash for nutritious meals for the past 18 years. FCC contributed an equivalent of 2.6 million meals toward this year’s record-setting result, which almost doubled this year’s campaign goal of 20 million meals.
The results were announced today at the Future of Food conference in Ottawa – a gathering of industry stakeholders hosted by FCC to mark Canada’s Agriculture Day.
“Our agriculture and food industry not only makes a significant contribution to Canada’s economy, but also contributes to the well-being of those most in need within our communities,” said Michael Hoffort, FCC president and CEO, noting this year’s shift towards broader participation of agriculture and food industry partners brought new energy into the campaign.
“Those who grow, produce and process food and beverages every day truly understand and appreciate the importance of providing high-quality and nutritious food,” he said. “FCC is proud to support those in the industry who are making a real difference in people’s lives and we look forward to even greater participation and results next year.”
FCC, which founded Drive Away Hunger, has served as a catalyst by engaging the larger agriculture and food community in raising food and cash donations since 2004. To date, FCC employees, customers and community partners have provided over 121 million meals to food banks in Canada.
Food Banks Canada is focused on providing healthy choices for those who live with food insecurity and appreciates the efforts of all involved with Drive Away Hunger.
“The food and agriculture industry remains a critical partner for Food Banks Canada in our mission to relieve hunger in Canada,” said Kirstin Beardsley, CEO of Food Banks Canada. “The recent Drive Away Hunger results, raising more than 36 million meals, reinforces this industry’s unwavering commitment to help our neighbours who are facing food insecurity. We are so grateful for your support.”
Hoffort said Canada’s agriculture and food industry is resilient and in a great position to help promote food security in Canada.
“Our commitment to Drive Away Hunger reflects our corporate values and what we stand for as an organization, and we are inspired by the pride, generosity and commitment we see throughout the industry that has made these outstanding results possible,” he said.
To find out more about Drive Away Hunger, visit driveawayhunger.ca.
