FCC marks 20 years of Drive Away Hunger with $1M match program
In celebration of the 20th year of Drive Away Hunger, Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is announcing it will match up to $1 million in new donations to food security agencies in Canada.
For two decades, Drive Away Hunger has brought the agriculture and food industry together to support food banks and food security programs. Last year, Drive Away Hunger raised a record 40 million meals and FCC hopes to inspire an even bigger impact this year with its match program.
“The results of Drive Away Hunger are incredible. Not only from the size of donations, but also from the real difference it makes in the lives of Canadians, said Justine Hendricks, FCC President and CEO. “Marking this milestone 20th year, we are confident the Canadian food system will come through with its trademark generosity and make the most of FCC’s match program.”
FCC’s match will be shared by Food Banks Canada and Second Harvest Canada who will direct the funding to underserved rural and remote areas in need of support. 29% of Canada’s food banks are in rural and remote communities, where food can be more expensive and difficult to access.
Being a part of the Drive Away Hunger community is easy to do. Donations can come in the form of cash or food, it all makes a difference. Nearly 20% of Canadians are getting their food from charitable organizations like food banks. The demand continues to increase and the Canadian food system can provide help through its vast network of agricultural and food companies and producers.
“Good work has already been done, but there is so much more potential for donations, that is why we are putting the call out to the agriculture and food industry to use FCC’s match program as a way to make the most of their contributions to Drive Away Hunger with whatever means they have.” said Hendricks. “Whether it’s a cash donation online or perhaps a company that would like to redirect surplus product or seconds through Drive Away Hunger, you can ensure your donation benefits food insecure people in your community.”
Drive Away Hunger has evolved over its 20 years into an industry-driven initiative that works together for vulnerable Canadians. Through the program, donors in the industry can get connected with charitable food security agencies in hopes of creating long-term, sustainable relationships. FCC works with partners and communities to identify opportunities and create meaningful results in communities across Canada.
Cash and food donations can be made online at driveawayhunger.ca.
FCC is Canada’s leading agriculture and food lender, dedicated to the industry that feeds the world. FCC employees are committed to the long-standing success of those who produce and process Canadian food by providing flexible financing, AgExpert business management software, information and knowledge. FCC provides a complement of expertise and services designed to support the complex and evolving needs of food businesses. As a financial Crown corporation, FCC is a stable partner that reinvests profits back into the industry and communities it serves. For more information, visit fcc.ca.
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For more information or interviews, please contact:
Jill McAlister
Corporate Communication
Farm Credit Canada
306-540-4840
jill.mcalister@fcc.ca