Reading Time: 2 minutes Mother Nature is making things difficult this year, but Alberta’s small army of Canadian Foodgrains Bank volunteers isn’t deterred. There are 32 growing projects underway in the province this year, including a new five-acre initiative near Ponoka. That’s where the Ponoka Ag society, in partnership with Ken and Verna Pohl, are growing oats completely with […] Read more
Big and small, Foodgrains Bank growing projects making a difference
‘Winning’ the Silver Shovel is a giving tradition in Bonnyville
Reading Time: 2 minutes It’s one of the hottest silent auctions in Bonnyville — who will win the Silver Shovel? Every spring for 20 years, bidders have turned out in the community to win a chance to support the local Canadian Foodgrains Bank Northeast Growing Project. With a bid of $3,200, this year’s winners are four local churches: The […] Read more
A tradition of growing — and giving — in central Alberta
Reading Time: 2 minutes Giving up a quarter section of land isn’t a great way to make money farming — but Dirk Drost didn’t hesitate when he heard the Canadian Foodgrains Bank was looking for land for a growing project in his area. “You hear about people who don’t have anything to eat, and we figured we could help […] Read more
A warm welcome from a very hospitable community
The number of producers is declining, but the spirit of the farming community grows stronger and stronger
Reading Time: 3 minutes I was running seriously late and my pal Rick’s email directions for the community supper were “four miles north of Vauxhall — lots of signs.” Judging when you’re four miles from a place you’ve never been before is a little tough, but surely I couldn’t miss all those signs. I did. I spotted one marking […] Read more
Canadian Foodgrains Bank and Alberta farmers help fight hunger
Despite having their own harvest to finish, farmers drop everything to get the crop off at Canadian Foodgrains Bank’s growing projects
Reading Time: 3 minutes Cor Abma isn’t the type of guy to get emotional over nothing. But he makes an exception when it comes to the generosity of his fellow farmers who volunteer each year for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. “It just brings tears to your eyes when all these people show up,” said the Leduc-area grain farmer. “This […] Read more
‘Sold’ isn’t the last word at this charity auction
Reading Time: < 1 minute They do auctions a little different in Ponoka — at least at the annual fundraiser for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB). A pair of llamas fetched $250. And then they were sold again for $200. It was only after going on the block for the third time that the donated duo were kept by the […] Read more
Ponoka fundraising auction making a difference
Reading Time: 2 minutes Organizers of the 13th annual Canadian Foodgrains Bank Fundraising Auction in Ponoka are expecting another banner event. “We’re hoping for 60 to 70 animals to be donated,” said Arnie Tenbrinke, one of the event’s organizers. “This year we’re also stepping things up a bit by offering a free lunch.” The lunch, Tenbrinke is quick to […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
