Canadian Farmers Fighting Food Insecurity

What Pulses & Eggs
Where Manitoba

World Food Day 2025: Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future

October 16 is recognized as World Food Day. Founded by the United Nations’ (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945, the purpose of World Food Day is to raise awareness of world hunger and food security. Around 733 million people worldwide are facing hunger due to natural disasters, global conflicts, economic downturns, and other sociopolitical issues. Over 2.8 billion people are unable to afford a healthy diet. In this Great Tastes video, host George Hudson shares stories about how Canada’s agricultural community is fighting food insecurity. Through his own reflections on the issue, we’re reminded that food insecurity is not just about a lack of food; when you consistently cannot afford nutritious meals, it affects all aspects of your physical, mental, and social well-being.

Understanding Food Insecurity in Canada

According to recent Canadian Income Survey data, about 10 million people, including 2.5 million children, live in a food-insecure household. Canada has long been known as the breadbasket of the world, a country whose vast resources and innovative producers make it possible to grow far more food than our population needs. But abundance alone doesn’t guarantee access. As George explains, food insecurity persists even here, shaped by complex factors like social inequities. Coordinated policies and community-driven solutions are needed to ensure household food security nationwide.

Local Farmers Taking Action

Crops grown here play a role in strengthening food systems beyond our borders. Because of our vast landscape, ideal climate and fertile soils, Canada grows more food than our small population needs and our abundance is a global lifeline. Manitoba farmers are sustainably producing more high quality pulse and soybean crops than we can consume domestically and 80% of what is produced here is sold for export. Dry beans are a perfect candidate for the export market because they have a long shelf life and can be easily transported with little waste. Manitoba beans are in high demand in our growing world as an affordable source of protein.

Canadian farmers, through non-profits and industry organizations like Manitoba Egg Farmers, support food banks and charities. They redistribute surplus food and raise awareness about food insecurity. For example, Manitoba Egg Farmers donates 45,000 eggs monthly to families in need through Harvest Manitoba. This is just one of the ways the agricultural community is doing its part to try and end hunger in this province.

Every Action Counts

The FAO’s message is clear: ending hunger starts with all of us. To create a more food-secure world, action must include people at every level from policymakers to individuals. Whether it’s choosing local ingredients, reducing waste, or supporting food access initiatives, small steps can make a lasting impact. This World Food Day, Great Tastes celebrates the people who feed us and invites you to join them in building a more sustainable and equitable food system.


World Food Day and Beyond: Take Action!

Stay Informed & Connect

  • Attend events: Participate in learning sessions and webinars to expand your knowledge.
  • Combat misinformation: Seek out trusted sources to understand agriculture and food systems before sharing information.

Make Sustainable Food Choices

  • Buy local and seasonal: Look for Manitoba-grown ingredients — often found in your regular grocery store.
  • Reduce food waste: Plan meals carefully, use leftovers creatively, and compost scraps. Winnipeg residents can use local food waste drop-off sites.

Support Community & Advocacy

  • Contribute to initiatives: Donate time, funds, or supplies to local food programs.
  • Donate differently: Try little free pantries, food swaps, or vehicle donations to Food Banks Canada via Donate a Car Canada.
  • Volunteer your skills: Share your expertise in cooking, gardening, or nutrition through community centres or schools.
  • Advocate for change: Engage with local advisory committees, and support healthy school meal programs through the Coalition for Healthy School Food.
  • Share nutrition knowledge: Connect with Dial-a-Dietitian for information you can share in your community.

Explore Grant Opportunities

  • Apply for or share grants: Seek out and share funding opportunities for food, culture, and community-focused projects.

Watch the video and find your place in the story.