Photo: Minnedosa Grain Growing Project 2022 harvest

Food is one of the four basic human needs for survival. It is a part of our daily routines, and it is embedded in our culture, families and as part of our social settings. Eating is so second nature that we often forget the privilege that comes with being able to afford food or having the access to it.  

“It is estimated that up to 828 million people are facing hunger worldwide and do not enjoy ‘food security,’ meaning they do not have regular access to enough nutritious food to live healthy and active lives,” says Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

A lack of healthy food affects physical and mental health, it can prevent academic and professional achievement, economic stability and can have serious implications on the growth and development of children.

Barry McNabb, a Minnedosa local, is an advocate and supporter of the Minnedosa Grain Growing Project, a community organization that continuously donates to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, a global organization dedicated to its mission of ending world hunger.

“The Minnedosa Grain Growing Project has planted 26 crops — mostly wheat and canola — in the Minnedosa area and after expenses, the funds are sent into Winnipeg, to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. This money is then used in other parts of the world to help feed the less fortunate,” says McNabb.

Barry nominated Minnedosa Grain Growing Project for the Rooted in the Prairies Project because a donation means one less expense for them and additional funding to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. After being selected as a winner of the Rooted in the Prairies Project, the organization amplified their donation by accepting 12 bags of CS4000 LL canola seed over the monetary option.

“[The people of] Minnedosa are very friendly and giving when others are in need. Many volunteers take time to put the crop in and help take it off. It is such a good feeling to know that with many hands working together, help can be provided to those who are less fortunate,” says Barry.

As a 2022 contribution, the Minnedosa Grain Growing Project announced they would be forwarding $42,000 to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

CANTERRA SEEDS’ Rooted in the Prairies Project supports local non-profit organizations nominated by the agriculture community across Western Canada. Now in its second year, the project has more than doubled its investment with seventeen worthy causes across the Prairies selected for assistance this year.

All winners from the Rooted in the Prairies Project will be featured in coming weeks on the CANTERRA SEEDS Behind the Seeds Blog, learn more about the Rooted in the Prairies Project here.