Farm Credit Canada (FCC), along with its industry partners, participating schools and volunteers, have provided over 16 million meals for food banks and feeding programs nationwide, far surpassing this year’s goal for FCC Drive Away Hunger.
“Food banks serve as a reminder there are individuals and families with children in both urban and rural Canada who struggle to make ends meet and putting food on the table is often a challenge,” said Michael Hoffort, FCC president and CEO, announcing the results of this year’s collection in support of Canada’s food banks. “My hope is that FCC Drive Away Hunger raises awareness and inspires us to continue giving throughout the year in support of Canada’s food banks and those in need.”
For the 16th year of FCC Drive Away Hunger, FCC teams drove tractors through various communities to collect food and donations for 10 days, beginning on October 8, in cooperation with industry partners and schools. The annual food drive goes a long way toward replenishing the shelves at food banks and supporting school feeding programs across the country.
“We are proud to serve those who work every day to produce food and thankful for our partners, food bank volunteers, as well as the teachers and students who took the time to organize and participate in food drives,” Hoffort said. “Once again they have shown what a generous country we live in and how we can make a difference in so many lives by working together.”
Partners are a major contributor to the success of FCC Drive Away Hunger. Platinum partners were BDO Canada LLP, Lou’s Kitchen, Courchesne Larose, Chenail Import-Export, Dedicated Harvesters and Canadawide. They have committed to provide food and funds to feed the hungry through FCC Drive Away Hunger.
Parrish & Heimbecker Limited, Windset Farms, Co-op, Ray-Mont Logistics International, Nutrigroupe, Groupe Vegco Inc., Les Viandes duBreton and Bonduelle were national partners.
In addition to its annual food collection tractor tour, FCC contributed a total of $100,000 in support of food programs offered at 100 schools across Canada. In June each school received $1,000 to feed hungry children at school.
