To celebrate Thanksgiving and recognize Ontario Agriculture Week, a time dedicated to celebrating the province's rich agricultural heritage, the local fruit and vegetable farming community has stepped forward with a significant contribution to combat food insecurity.
Growers from the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association (OFVGA) have donated $25,000 to Second Harvest, a leader in food rescue in Canada.
This donation underscores the continued partnership between OFVGA and Second Harvest, now in its fourth year.
“Supporting Second Harvest in their mission to reduce hunger and food waste is one-way growers are working to give back to their local communities, while also working tirelessly to fill grocery shelves and drive the local economy,” says Shawn Brenn, potato grower and OFVGA Chair.
The funds will aid Second Harvest in their mission to redistribute surplus, nutritious foods to those in need across Canada.
Last year, the organization successfully diverted 87.4 million pounds of food from waste, preventing over 288 million pounds of greenhouse gases from impacting the climate.
The OFVGA, representing 3,500 fruit and vegetable farmers in Ontario, plays a pivotal role in both advocacy and direct action within the horticulture sector.
Their ongoing contributions reflect a deep commitment to fostering community well-being and environmental stewardship.
The efforts of the OFVGA highlight the critical intersection of agriculture, charity, and sustainability.
This initiative exemplifies the spirit of giving that is particularly resonant during the Thanksgiving period, reminding us of the power of community and the importance of support systems that extend beyond the farm.