In Bay St George South on the west coast of Newfoundland, The Three Rivers Mi’kmaq Band Inc., a non-profit Indigenous service provider, has been diligently working to support its 1,100 residents. Located approximately 75 km from the nearest service town and 120 km from the nearest city, this community’s isolation makes access to essential resources, including food, a significant challenge.
This organization and many others like it play an important role in bridging the gap between healthy food and people living in remote communities. With the help of volunteers and in collaboration with Second Harvest, they deliver non-perishable groceries and frozen food to anyone who needs it.
“The most beautiful aspect of the food distribution is seeing the community come together. Individuals who receive food share that food,” Chief Margaret White of The Three Rivers Mi’kmaq Band, said. “Our community makes sure every member has food over several months.”
Food insecurity in remote communities is a complex challenge that requires collaboration among many stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profits and Indigenous groups. As a charitable partner of Farm Credit Canada (FCC), Second Harvest is grateful for their $500,000 donation through the Drive Away Hunger initiative which aims to make nutrition more accessible in rural and remote areas.
For two decades, Drive Away Hunger has connected donors in the agriculture and food industry with charitable food security agencies in hopes of creating long-term, sustainable relationships. Marking its 20th anniversary in 2023, FCC matched $1 million in new donations to provide over 140 million meals to those in need.
“This year’s remarkable total is a testament to the considerable hard work and support provided by exceptional partners across Canada,” Justine Hendricks, FCC president and CEO, said. “More than ever, we are seeing producers, processors, distributors and grocers addressing food waste and helping feed Canadians in need. The Canadian food system has come together through Drive Away Hunger and the results this year prove we are stronger together.”
A big thank you to FCC and all of the agriculture and food companies who participated in Drive Away Hunger for your generous support and commitment to fighting food waste and hunger with us. We look forward to reaching more communities across Canada to ensure everyone has access to the essential nutrition they need.
