Honourable senators, I rise today in the Senate Chamber to speak about a rising concern for us all — food security. In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, supply chain management difficulties and climate change, which have been challenging our crucial agricultural and food sectors, many Canadians and people throughout the world have become food insecure. While the government develops many programs, benefits and policies to correct this, it will take efforts from all aspects of society to improve Canadian food systems. That is why, today, I want to recognize a particular organization working to grow and foster food security both domestically and internationally.

The Hunger Project, as it is known, works towards ending hunger and poverty by pioneering sustainable strategies and advocating for widespread practice adoption in countries throughout the world. According to The Hunger Project, up to 811 million people around the world live in chronic hunger, of which 60% are women.

In Canada, individuals like Matt Bunch, from my hometown of Fergus, continue to advocate for Canadians facing food insecurity. As the Co-Country Director, Matt continues to engage with community leaders, stakeholders and agencies to connect and improve to adapt local and regional supports to ongoing challenges.

The Hunger Project is a success story, fellow senators. Since its founding 20 years ago, it has successfully reached over 1.6 million people, helping to pull them out of food poverty, generating sustainability and a future for communities throughout the world.

It’s important, colleagues, that we in the Red Chamber continue to focus on food security and address the long-term challenges to continue supporting Canadians and people throughout the world. Advocating and supporting groups like The Hunger Project will do just that. I take pride in standing here today celebrating their continued success. Thank you. Meegwetch.