The Killarney Foodgrains Grow Project is well on its way after last week's timely rains. The 145-acre field located northeast of Killarney was seeded with Starbuck wheat on May 7th.
Field Manager, Myron Peters, says the Killarney project is celebrating their 15th year of raising funds and awareness of the extreme hunger that is around the world.
Canadian Foodgrains Bank statistics show 757 million people in the world experience hunger. Nearly 98% of people experiencing hunger live in developing countries and nearly 80% of displaced people live in countries affected by long-term hunger.
"Our project is just one of many that are across Canada to raise funds to help end world hunger," shares Peters. "Not only a hand-out to help people get back on their feet but also there's education on how they can improve their situation."
When Killarney Grow Project Chair, Dan and Hertha Penner, travelled to Malawi, Africa in November of 2023 they heard the story of a local village farmer who harvested three bags of grain from her small field. However, after learning crop strategies that included how to retain moisture from the CFB and their partner organization she was able to harvest 12 bags of grain.
"So, four times the amount just from education and different practices," adds Peters. "So, it's not just a handout. It's education to help these people help themselves. And the fact that the federal government of Canada is still willing to contribute to these projects on a 4:1 basis to a cap really helps the situation as well."
The CFB works with 15 church and church-based organizations to end global hunger and through the Government of Canada’s support, the Foodgrains Bank’s 15 member agencies are able to leverage donations from individuals, churches and businesses up to a ratio of 4:1 for food assistance in the developing world—up to $25 million each year.
The story of the farmer in Malawi is a testament to the kind of help the CFB and their partner agencies provide to support not only a single farmer but also her village as she shares her expertise with her neighbors.
Projects can include purchasing and installing massive rain retention units for irrigation purposes or constructing simple greenhouses with bamboo poles and sheets of plastic to keep the scorching heat off young plants. Animal husbandry to start and then increase goat herds, and community co-op financial initiatives help to strengthen an entire community from the inside out.
"Something as simple as laying a layer of banana leaves to help retain moisture makes a huge difference in these third-world countries, simply through education. Again, from this lady's farm going from 4 bags of grain to 12 is a huge improvement and shows that what the Canadian Foodgrains Bank is doing is working."
"So, we're very happy to be able to help people in that aspect with our grow projects each year," adds Peters.
Since 1983, Canadian Foodgrains Bank and its members have been devoted to their mission to end world hunger. The CFB has provided over $1 billion of food-related assistance, has worked with over 100 international partners to address global hunger and has worked in over 70 countries around the world.
For a real blast from the past visit the Facebook Page link and enjoy photos, videos and comments from past harvests at the Killarney Foodgrains Grow Project by clicking HERE!
For more on the Canadian Foodgrains Bank visit their website HERE!
To support the Killarney Grow Project, please contact any of the local Grow Project members. This year's field is located 2 miles north of the Killarney Vet Clinic on Hwy 18, and then 5 miles east. The 145 acre field is located on the south side of the road.
"And our good old John Deere drill is there with a sign and a brand new Canadian flag so it's quite easy to see," shares Myron Peters. "We encourage folks to come out and take a look at the field. Come and see what you're supporting! It's always fun to see the different stages as the crop grows."