Zero Hunger Challenge tackling food insecurity in rural Canada

• Food bank use is at an all-time high with a 78 per cent increase since 2019
• Initiative by Syngenta Canada aims to facilitate more than 250,000 meals in 2024
• Syngenta renews commitment to Food Banks Canada Rural Support Program

Syngenta Canada is tackling rural hunger through its charitable initiative called the Zero Hunger Challenge. The multi-year campaign is shining a light on the issue of food insecurity and inspiring others to join the campaign to take action.

“As a member of the food production system, we feel we are part of the solution to end hunger in more ways than one. That’s why we launched the Zero Hunger Challenge in 2023. We exceeded our goal by 20 per cent, equalling over 225,000 meals to benefit food banks across the country,” says Christina Stroud, Head, Corporate Affairs. “Unfortunately, the demand isn’t slowing anytime soon. For 2024, we have set our target at $150,000, which is equivalent to more than 250,000 meals.”

According to Food Banks Canada’s HungerCount report, food insecurity in Canada is at an all-time high with a 78 per cent increase in food bank use since 2019.

“As the demand on food banks is expected to increase in communities across the country, more than ever, we are relying on partners like Syngenta to support rural food banks through programs like the ‘Zero Hunger Challenge’,” shared Kirstin Beardsley, Chief Executive Officer, Food Banks Canada. “It is thanks to this commitment and the dedication they have provided for over 20 years, that we are able to continue working towards our vision of a Canada where no one goes hungry.”

Since 2000, Syngenta has donated more than $1 million to Food Banks Canada as the founding sponsor of Food Banks Canada Rural Support Program. The company has kicked off the 2024 Zero Hunger Challenge with a $40,000 donation and plans to add to the total throughout the year via food drives, harvest donations, employee payroll matching, and more. “We plan to get our partners involved to show just how much our industry cares,” says Stroud. “We’re committed to supporting rural communities, where our customers and more than half of our employees live and work.”

Food and monetary donations are not the only way Syngenta and the broader industry is helping. Canadian agriculture plays a key role in addressing food security through innovations that help to increase crop yields and quality so that more food is available.

“Not only does Canada have a worldwide reputation for producing safe, sustainable, and high-quality food, we have the farmland, farmers, technology, and research capacity to be part of the solution to global food insecurity,” says Trevor Heck, President, Syngenta Canada.