It may come as a surprise that many Canadians are included in the world’s 1.02 billion hungry people. October 16th is World Food Day 2009, a call to action on fighting hunger and an opportunity to reflect on those numbers.
Syngenta Crop Protection Canada recognizes that our rural communities are widely affected by hunger and are often the most starved of resources. The Syngenta Rural FoodShareTM Initiative provides important funds to help food donations reach rural communities in Canada.
Continuing a nine-year tradition of support for this worthy cause, Syngenta has made a $25,000 contribution to Food Banks Canada for Rural FoodShare.
“Hunger is an issue that affects the health and well being of over 700,000 Canadians who turn to food banks for assistance,” says Jay Bradshaw, President of Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc. “Syngenta is pleased to offer support to more than 260 food banks operating in our rural and farming communities, a cause we have stood behind since our inception in 2000.”
Rural food banks make up nearly half (48 per cent) of food banks in the country, serving a higher percentage of children (40 per cent compared to 37.1 per cent overall), seniors (8.5 per cent compared to 5.7 per cent overall) and families (55.2 per cent compared to 50.3 per cent overall) than the national average. Many of these programs serve residents in communities with populations of less than 10,000.
“Food banks are a valuable resource for people, in both urban and rural communities, an indication that poverty and hunger are serious issues in both areas,” says Katharine Schmidt, Executive Director of Food Banks Canada. “We are grateful for the commitment of Syngenta to help us reach those who are in need.”
About Food Banks Canada
Food Banks Canada is a national charitable organization representing the food bank community across Canada. Our members and their respective agencies serve approximately 85 per cent of people accessing emergency food programs nationwide. Our mission is to meet the short term need for food and find long-term solutions to hunger. Visit www.foodbankscanada.ca for more information.
About Syngenta
Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 24,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com.
|