Farm Credit Canada's (FCC) Drive Away Hunger collected more than five million pounds of food this year, with Saskatchewan residents and businesses contributing more than 634,000 pounds to the 11th annual food drive.
"FCC Drive Away Hunger demonstrates our long-term commitment to the industry by bringing the agriculture community together to share the food it produces with those who need it most," said Michael Hoffort, FCC president and CEO. "We are grateful for the generous support of our customers and partners, and for their commitment to helping fight hunger across Canada. I'm overwhelmed by the amount of support - we couldn't do this without them."
In addition to all 100 FCC offices across Canada collecting food and cash donations, tractor tours also took place the week of October 13 in Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and at FCC's corporate office in Regina to pick up donations in these communities.
"More than 24,000 people are assisted by a food bank each month in Saskatchewan and 44 per cent of them are children," said Darren Howden, FCC vice-president of Prairie Operations. "It's a privilege to visit communities during the tractor tours and to witness the enthusiasm for helping others who struggle to put food on the table."
FCC also donated $100,000 to Food Banks Canada. Half of this amount will be dedicated to the Rural Support Program, which provides additional support and resources to food banks based in rural communities. The remaining $50,000 will be used by Food Banks Canada to support individuals and families who use food bank services.
