During the last two years, our funding from CIDA has gone up from $16 million a year to $25 million a year, says Jim Cornelius, executive director of the Canadian Food Grains Bank.
“This has allowed us to sustain our program during a period of high food prices, and expand our program in other areas,” explained Cornelius. “We are now in discussion with CIDA to receive an additional $9 million in special funding for our emergency food programs in Congo and Zimbabwe.”
“We feel we have earned the confidence of government officials and are seen as an important Canadian agency through which Canadian aid can be effectively channeled,” he continued.
Noting that members of Parliament are often recipients of requests or complaints, Cornelius urges supporters of the Foodgrains Bank to contact their MPs expressing their appreciation for the matching funds provided by the federal government to the Foodgrains Bank.
“It is important to say ‘thanks’ when actions are taken that we appreciate,” he explained.
In other news, the contact person for each growing project is being encouraged to return the 2009 growing project survey. Please complete and mail the 2009 growing project survey form as soon as possible. Returning it by March 31 would be much appreciated.
