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Swift Current, Sask.
Growing project contributes to overseas food aid


In less than two hours, six combines harvested 80 acres of durum wheat that make up the Penner Growing Project near Swift Current, Sask.

Six combines harvest 80 acres of durum wheat at the Penner Growing Project near Swift Current, Sask.

The produce – 4,487 bushels of grain – is headed to the Winnipeg-based relief agency Canadian Foodgrains Bank. CFGB will be shipping the grain to needy countries such as Mozambique, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Angola and North Korea.

From seeding to harvesting, all the manpower and machinery for the Penner Growing Project was donated. John Klassen, the bookkeeper, recorded no expenses. For the second consecutive year, the land for this project was donated by Dave and Anne Penner, long-time farmers near McMahon, Sask., now residing at Anglin Lake, Sask. Dave Wieler gave of his time and equipment. All of these people are associated with Bridgeway Community (MB) Church in Swift Current.

This year, there are about 70 growing projects in the prairies. One benefit to the growing project is that it unites a community, says Richard Phillips, director of resources with CFGB. “Planting and harvesting a crop together creates a sense of common purpose that seems to be in short supply as modern agriculture evolves,” he adds.

The popularity of CFGB seems to point to the fact that about one-third of a cent from every dollar is used for administration. This is due to the use of volunteer labour and the involvement of 13 church groups, including Mennonite Central Committee. Last year, over $5 million in grain and cash was donated to CFGB. Since April 1, 2000, financial commitments have exceeded $9 million.

 – from a release

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Last modified November 7, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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