MALLAIG – The Mallaig-based Acres of Hope Growing Project completed its 14th growing season in 2024 and raised $30,000 for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFB). The project’s harvest includes 67 acres of wheat, hay, as well as hard red spring wheat.
Most wheat has already been sold, although there is about 800 bushels left to be sold.
The CFB has 240 growing projects in Canada, and Acres of Hope is one of 30 located in Alberta.
Acres of Hope aims to help address food security in third world countries through contributions to the CFB. The group grows crops and sells the crops, with the proceeds going to the CFB.
This year, the proceeds specifically have been designated to the CFB’s Presbyterian World Relief and Development Fund, Adventist Development and Relief Fund, Emergency Relief, and Development Overseas for food aid and security projects.
Don Katerynych, secretary of the project’s board, said expenses throughout the season were over $15,000, but with $11,000 cash donations, the project still met its $30,000 goal.
Katerynych said the federal government matches the project’s donation 4:1. “So, if we raised $30,000, the government will match that four times, which would be $120,000,” going toward the CFB, he explained.
Katerynych thanked everyone who was part of the project. The project is supported by the surrounding community and includes farmers and agribusinesses that have donated the use of land and provided free farm tillage service, he explained.
"Everything is done for free," he said.
“We know that we're only a very small part of the aid that helps people who are food insecure in the world, but we are happy to contribute."
Acres of Hope invites the community to its Sunday appreciation lunch on April 27 at the Mallaig Unity Centre. People can attend to learn more about what the project is about.
Abe Janzen, regional director of CFB Alberta, will also be present. Janzen was present at last year's event and talked about food insecurity around the world.
