The Canadian Foodgrains Bank Association Inc / Association de la Banque Canadienne de Grains Inc. is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to ending world hunger through coordinated food assistance and development programs. Established in 1983, it grew from a grassroots movement among Canadian farmers seeking to share surplus grain with people facing hunger globally[1].

History

The organization's origins trace back to the mid-1970s during a famine in Bangladesh, when Western Canadian farmers experienced bumper crops and wanted to help. Due to government policies restricting direct donations of grain abroad, these farmers collaborated with Mennonite Central Committee Canada to create a food bank capable of receiving and distributing grain internationally. This initiative led to the founding of the MCC Food Bank, built on the biblical "Joseph principle" of storing grain during good years to use in lean times[1][2].

In 1976, the food bank issued its first appeal to farmers in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, resulting in an initial shipment of 660 tonnes of grain to India. Subsequently, the Canadian Wheat Board partnered with the Foodgrains Bank to facilitate grain handling and shipping until the Board's dissolution in 2015[1].

Mission and Activities

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is committed to both emergency food assistance and long-term development support, working through a network of over 100 international partners in more than 30 countries annually. Its goal is to sustainably tackle hunger and poverty by combining food aid with agricultural development, nutrition, and resilience-building initiatives. The organization has maintained a longstanding partnership with the Canadian government, receiving matching funds from agencies such as the former Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), now Global Affairs Canada[1].

Organizational Structure

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank operates as a coalition of Canadian churches and church agencies alongside farmer organizations. Its governance reflects the values and perspectives of rural communities, emphasizing respect, partnership, and sustainable aid that avoids creating dependency. The organization's members collaborate to pool resources, expertise, and advocacy efforts to maximize impact in addressing global food insecurity[5].

Milestones

• 1976: First grain appeal and shipment to India
• 1983: Formal establishment of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank
• 2015: Conclusion of partnership with Canadian Wheat Board
• 2023: Marked 40 years of active efforts to end hunger worldwide[1][2][3]

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank continues to build on its prairie roots and collaborative legacy, remaining a key Canadian player in global food security efforts.

Note: The Canadian Foodgrains Bank Association Inc. is registered under business number 118831106RR0001.