World population now stands at 7 billion with about 1 billion suffering some form of hunger. The projection of an increase to 9 billion by 2050 necessitates an increase in food production. It is so important for people to become self-sufficient in raising their own food. At Food Resource Bank the primary goal is to help people raise their own food. We use many different techniques to achieve this goal. Improved seed selection, water retention for irrigation and improved storage are just a few methods used to increase overall food production.

Holy Trinity Parish is working with Food Resource Bank thru the F.O.O.D. project. It has been a very rewarding 10+ years helping other farmers in various parts of the world raise their own food. We have worked in Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Madagascar and the last several years in Timor Leste-Viqueque. Our project in Timor Leste involved increasing maize production and reducing post­harvest storage losses. We were informed that Timor Leste was now self sufficient, as of October 2016.  With that news and upon a recommendation and research we have now begun to work with a project in Myanmar Chin, located in southern Asia.  The project also involed increasing maize production and reducing postharvest storage losses.  Now, a year later we've been informed that our Myanmar Chin program has grown to being independent also.  With that news our parish coordinator, Wayne McMannus, researched and found a great program in Africa, Burkina Faso Nementenga!  You can find out more by following the link below. 

We have averaged about $30,000 per year in contributions—most coming from farmers and matching contributions. We also have many non-farmers involved making contributions. We had very successful farmers markets after Mass this summer and fall. This allowed people to bring excess fruits and vegetables as well as shop for them. The F.O.O.D. project is an ongoing project and contributions can be made at any time in any amount. An account has been set up at NEW Coop for farmers wishing to contribute in grain. If any questions about how the program runs please feel free to contact Wayne McMannus at 515-356- 2161, parish coordinator.  If you are wanting to make a gift of grain and or donation please contact Mark Steinberg Director of Operation and Finance at 515-955-6077.