Drive Away Hunger shifts approach to give 20 million meals

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is evolving Drive Away Hunger to provide even more food for Canadians in need by engaging the larger agriculture and food community in raising food and cash donations.

“Food banks have told us how Drive Away Hunger has transformed their ability to feed hungry families and we think we can do even more to help,” said FCC president and CEO Michael Hoffort, in announcing plans for the 18th edition of Drive Away Hunger.

“FCC has the national reach to bring Canada’s agriculture and food industry together like never before for a cause that is close to all of us. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us there’s a very fine line between those who have the means to pay for food and those who don’t, since personal situations can rapidly change,” Hoffort said. “Whether our partners are growing, producing, processing or distributing food, we see an opportunity for them to help us replenish the shelves in food banks in both rural and urban communities.”

This year, Drive Away Hunger hopes to collect food and cash donations equivalent to the cost of providing 20 million meals to hungry Canadians. Since 2004, FCC employees, customers and community partners have provided over 85 million meals to food banks in Canada.

Along with raising money and food for Canadian food banks, FCC is once again contributing a total of $200,000 in support of food programs offered at 200 schools selected by FCC offices across Canada based on need. Half of that contribution will be directed towards schools that serve Indigenous children, as part of the federal Crown corporation’s reconciliation efforts. Each school is receiving $1,000 in support of their feeding program.

FCC is committed to supporting the elimination of hunger. Thanks to a $150,000 donation from FCC, Moisson Montréal is now using a new fruit and vegetable bagging line that allows Canada’s largest food bank to accept unprecedented volumes of surplus fruits and vegetables from producers for distribution to people and families in need. This was also made possible through the partnership of Bonduelle, a leader in providing naturally preserved, ready-to-use vegetables, and Drive Away Hunger partner.

Food Banks Canada is focused on providing healthy choices for those who live with food insecurity and appreciates the efforts of Canada’s food partners in supporting Drive Away Hunger.

“We look forward to expanding our reach and accessibility while raising our advocacy efforts nationwide to address the underlying causes of food insecurity,” said Chris Hatch, CEO of Food Banks Canada. “As always, we remain deeply committed to relieving hunger today and preventing hunger tomorrow.”

Cash and food donations can be made online at driveawayhunger.ca.

On Canada’s Agriculture Day, February 22, 2022, the total raised from the Drive Away Hunger campaign will be announced.

“No one should go hungry, and thanks to the support of both generous Canadians with individual donations as well as Canada’s strong agriculture and food value chain, Drive Away Hunger helps to keep food on the shelves at food banks,” Hoffort said.