By Caribbean News Global
OTTAWA, Canada – Harjit S. Sajjan, minister of international development and minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of prime minister, Justin Trudeau, announced that Canada is providing $30 million in humanitarian funding to the World Food Programme to facilitate additional shipments of Ukrainian grain moving through the Black Sea Grain Initiative toward countries grappling with acute food insecurity. This funding will help feed the growing number of people around the world facing hunger.
“Global food insecurity has been increasing dramatically over the past several years, and it is now being further and directly exacerbated by Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine. Countries around the globe are experiencing the effects of insecurity on global and local food systems, and these effects are felt most strongly by the poorest and most vulnerable populations,” said Global Affairs Canada.
Canada commends Ukraine on its commitment to donating grain to help address the global food crisis as part of its Grain from Ukraine humanitarian initiative, which was announced by president Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the G20 Summit last week.
“The food crisis is hardest on the most vulnerable around the world, especially women and girls, who, especially in times of crisis, often eat least and last. Canada will not stand by as people starve, and we will continue to look for ways to make sure food is available and accessible to those who need it most,” said minister Sajjan.
“The announcement builds on the $615 million in humanitarian food and nutrition assistance already allocated in 2022 to help feed people in countries facing the most severe food crises,” noted Global Affairs Canada in a press release.