Growing Project raises about $140K

By Jensen, Randy on August 26, 2020.

A pair of combines with hoppers full of barley make their way up the field Friday morning during the Coaldale-Lethbridge Community Growing Project in support of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Herald photo by Ian Martens @IMartensHerald

Lethbridge Herald

After tallying up the proceeds from last Friday’s harvest, the Coaldale-Lethbridge Community Growing Project confirmed it raised approximately $140,000 this year to support the Canadian Foodgrains Bank’s work feeding the hungry overseas.

While down a bit from last year’s total of $173,000 due to the effects of COVID-19 on the local economy, and the necessity of cancelling the annual celebration barbecue, the Community Growing Project was hoping supporters in the region might be willing to help make up the difference through further donations.

“In 2019 over $20,000 in cash donations were received on harvest day from the many supporters who came out to view the harvest and enjoy the barbecue,” a letter released to local community partners explains in part. “As a committee we discussed different options to take care of those expenses this year and have chosen to send out a note to everyone that has at one time or other been involved with the project over the past 11 years.

“Remember when making donations to the Coaldale-Lethbridge Food Grains Project, donations are matched by the Government of Canada at a four-to-one level up to $25 million,” it adds. “The partnership with the Government of Canada allows the Foodgrains Bank to assist many more communities and people.”

Those wishing to help out can go online and donate to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and designate their donation to the Coaldale-Lethbridge Community Growing Project at donate.foodgrainsbank.ca.

That being said, the results of this year’s harvest were still pretty impressive, say Community Growing Project organizers.

The 158 acres of feed barley seeded this year yielded about 144 bushels per acre and had a bushel weight of 56 pounds per bushel.

“Take note,” a statement from the organizers reads, “that in the 14-year existence of the Coaldale project this is the highest-yielding crop we have had so far.”

The Community Growing Project also had about 715 bails made from the straw, which, it confirms, is about 150 more than they have ever had before after a harvest.

The sale of the bails also counts toward the $140,000 total raised.

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