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Alongside Hope's mission is, “to help to bring about a truly healthy, just and peaceful world.” This work is done by working with several ecumenical and secular organizations.  There are eleven different groups. This month, we highlight the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

In 1983 a group of Mennonite farmers in Alberta had a bumper crop of wheat. They decided to ship the grain to Ethiopia which was experiencing a devastating famine at the time and many were helped.  This “Christian response to hunger,” was the start of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. 

Today, the Foodgrains Bank raises millions of dollars to support local organizations in 37 countries. They provide emergency food, training, and equipment in order to work towards sustainable development.

From the generosity and innovation of a small community, channeling hard work and imagination, the lives of many have been impacted.   This is truly an inspirational model.

For more information, please visit the full article written by Lois Reid, the Alongside Hope representative for the Diocese of Calgary on Alongside Hope's website.

*The article was origianlly published in the Febraury 2026 issue of Under the Sun.